Bay Area Bird Hospital

My first visit here was yesterday for my guinea pig. It was the only vet who had a same-day appointment. Now i know why - everyone avoids this place.\r I showed up on time for my appointment, but I wasnt taken into an exam room until 30 minutes later. During that whole time, i was the only person in the waiting lobby, and i could hear people in the back chit-chatting about recipes. Finally they brought me into a room, 30 minutes late.\r I brought my guinea pig in for surgery to remove a lump on his back. First they needed to do an ""initial exam"", so fine, i let them do that. All the vet really did was took the piggy's weight, and spent like 15 minutes looking for his back teeth that she couldnt find. The assistant had the piggy wrapped up in a towel like a burrito but was holding him SO tight that she was almost shaking. I was this.close to taking my guinea pig out of her hands and walking out of the office. I paid $65 for this.\r Then she said she would get me an estimate for surgery to remove this lump and ""be right back"".\r I waited in the exam room by myself for yet another 20 minutes. Finally I gathered my purse and guinea pig and went to the lobby - did they forget about me??\r Finally i got this estimate: $2000!!!!\r I have had guinea pigs for 22 years. Rodents are susceptable to lumps so in the 22 years i have raised them, i have had my share of lump-removal surgery. NOT ONCE have i EVER paid over $220 for a lump-removal surgery on a guinea pig.\r $2000 is downright insane. I dont even really know what they charged me the $65 for.\r Also, the lump has absessed and is infected. You can see it and also smell it. The vet did not mention whatsoever putting him on oral antibiotics or putting a topical antiobiotic or anything on it.\r \r Also, they all talked to me as if I have never raised a pet before much less a guinea pig. After 22 years of owning at least 10 guinea pigs at a time and raising from birth, I am pretty sure I know how to change their water bottle and what to feed them.\r \r I was there for an HOUR AND A HALF for this minor exam. When no one else was even in the office. I finally had to tell them that I am using my lunch hour for this appointment and HAD to leave now.\r $2000 quote for a minor lump removal is insane. I would never go back to this place for any reason whatsoever. more

I have had two bad experiences with this hospital. They tend to go ""all in"" for the worst possible scenerio when making a diagnosis, resulting in excessive stress to the patient and owner plus expensive bills. Avian medicine is highly specialized and it is easy to trust someone who holds a special certification. Any responsible owner would want to do the right thing for a beloved pet however the approach at this place does not necessarily benefit the bird and indeed seems to exploit the owner's concern. I have communicated with several bird owners who share my opinion and who have had similar experiences here. Please do your pet a favor and go to Medical Center for Birds / Dr. Speer in Oakley or Dr. Rupiper in Petaluma. It is worth driving farther, especially if you have a serious health issue with your pet bird. Cons: Aggressive Approach / Questionable Ethics more

Unfortunately this hospital is recommended by the non-profit bird rescue group Mickaboo. Because I live in San Francisco it seemed logical to find a good avian vet in the City. But when my bird actually develped a medical condition and I took her in - it led to a spiraling number of expensive visits, expensive re-checks, tests, shots, and other prescribed medication. Worst of all, my bird just got weaker and weaker from the procedures and medicine that went along with the original diagnosis. I ultimately stopped this situation by taking my bird to Boulevard Pet Hospital in Castro Valley - to Dr. Schuchman - a very experienced vet who specializes in birds and reptiles. After one weekend in his care, she began to eat and get stronger and regain her personality, and I could begin to live my life again. We don't have all of the answers yet on her condition, but I believe if I had not transferred her care away from Bay Area Bird Hospital, she might not even be alive today. Pros: They are located in San Francisco Cons: Poor Quality Care / High Prices more

Our bird was brought in there by the sitter while we were in Mexico and couldn't return home for several days because we couldn't get any plane flights out over the New Year Holiday. The Drs and staff at BA Bird Hospital could not have been more helpful. They saved the bird, who was very ill. But beside that they were very kind about keeping in close contact with us and keeping us updated on his condition. We also take our birds there for well bird checks and have been more than satisfied with the care and caring they receive there. We would also like to extend thanks to All Animal Emergency hospital for being there in the middle of the night on New Year's Eve and Sher, our bird sitter for being so observant and dedicated to what she does. more