Huffard Animal Hospital

Seems like there's been a staffing change and no one seems friendly or helpful as I remembered it from previous visits anymore. A chubby young girl with black long hair at the Front desk wasn't nice, and didn't feel like giving pricing information and almost was seeming like they'd prefer to turn away business then have a client wait an hour to be seen. This was a total shock because I've been to huffard animal hospital for 3 years and the staff has always been nice and helpful and flexible up until now. I sat and waited patiently and thought I was going to at least get the great standard of service from the vet herself. But Seems everyone today was edgy and dogs barking and doing what dogs do like jumping etc Was bothering a few girls working there. The tech and the vet didn't even introduce themselves. I remember the vets from months to years ago would introduce themselves and shake your hand and pet your dog and compliment your dog and treat you like family. That's a complete turnaround now. The vet and tech didn't like explaining things as if it was a nuisance a client asked a question. My Tech wasn't friendly and acted like she didn't like dogs and made a weird face to that affect, while she was holding my dog down for a shot and then after having taken my dog out of the room for another procedure, upon returning she just shoved him in the door and spouted out ' don't let him chew his bandaid - almost as if she was angry and took it out on my dog and me. The vet herself didn't seem friendly and just acted like my dog and I were a dollar sign and no kind words, no thank you for your business, or hope he feels better, or follow up with us and let us know how he is, or even mentioning what procedures he should have for the next visit, but they took hundreds of dollars that day with no problem then one person almost as I was out the door said happy thanksgiving half heartedly when I walked out. What happened to the great place I used to know? They cared about your pet more than money. I'm extremely disappointed and feel like the quality of the people who work there has gone down dramatically and it's really sad because I remember huffard as a happy friendly helpful place that made you feel great bringing your pets there because they seemed like they genuinely loved your pets too . I don't think I will ever go back nor will I recommend this place to anyone. Very sad. If I could give -10 I would . more

My family and I have been going to Huffard's since the 90s with dogs, cats, and ferrets. The front desk staff is always welcoming, pleasant, knowledgeable, and accommodating. I took a tour of the hospital during their open house and was thoroughly impressed with all of the state of the art equipment and how well the animals staying there for both hospitalization and boarding were being cared for. The doctors are so nice! My pets and I, over the years, have seen all the doctors and find comfort in knowing how much each and every one of them strive to do what is best for my babies. Although they know what's best and always recommend the most favorable tests and treatments, finances have been limited recently (and sadly, vet care isn't free) so each time I've gone to Huffard's I've asked the doctor to have the front desk provide me with an estimate of what each recommended test and medication was going to cost and by talking with the doctor, we have always been able to come up with a reasonable plan of action for the visit. I've learned that I am just as much in control of my pets vet care as the doctor is and we work together as a team. I also love that I can drop them off for boarding for a week, have them seen by the doctor while they're there and groomed by the groomer. It's a one stop shop! I hope I never have to move away because I know I would never be able to find an animal hospital like Huffard's! more

Good: I have had both dogs and cats over the years, and I would never think of taking them anywhere but Huffard. Having a pet is a big responsibility, both emotionally and financialy. I have been more than happy with the care given my pets and have always felt that the price of that service was reasonable.. Bad: I honestly cannot think of anything that I don't like about Huffards. The front desk staff, the doctors, the groomer and the cleanliness of the facility are all above par.. Improvements: The only thing that I would like to see added is cat grooming. While they take excellent care of my cat's health, I would love it if the also were able to take care of her grooming.. Other: I have enjoyed the lives of all of my pets. When it came to "end of life" decisions and procedures, I cannot imagine how I would have gotten through those rough times without the concerned and caring staff at Huffards. I am forever grateful.. more

I am a dog walker and pet sitter. I had a couple of my regular clients stay with me for a week during the July 4th holiday. They had some issues that I felt they needed to see a vet for. I took them to their own vet and after my experience there I am so thankful that I have such great vets at Huffard! When the owners got back from their vacation I told them they needed a new vet as their dogs did not get the vet care that they needed. They agreed and thankfully got a new vet. I have been going to Huffard for 9 yrs for my 2 cats and 2 dogs. I normally see Dr McCafferty but have also had Dr Gostyla and find both very knowledgeable and caring when it comes to my pets and my concerns. I feel confident they do everything that is possible whenever one of my girls gets sick or hurt and any preventative care that is needed to keep them healthy. The office staff is great too, I have no complaints at all and am very happy with everyone I have ever encountered there. Thanks Huffard! more

I have been going to Huffards for many years, watching them grow out of the small brown building into the beautiful building they now have. I have always been happy with the quality of care and concern given to my boys! more

I have been going to Huffards for many years, watching them grow out of the small brown building into the beautiful building they now have. I have always been happy with the quality of care and concern given to my boys! more

THANK YOU! Veterinarians often come under fire for the loss of a pet because the vet is usually the last person to be responsible for the care of a sick or injured pet. Huffard Animal Hospital has been our veterinarian for over 20 years and made our tragic, emotionally devastating experience peaceful and humane. I cannot thank their staff enough for the way we were treated as well as the great care we have been given throughout the years. When we euthanized another pet after we moved across the bay bridge we were made to feel like undeducated hillbillies at our new vet. Our vet, Dr. McCafferty from Huffard's treated us compassionately and explained every thing she was going to be doing. We were able to have a private, comfortable room with a couch, a thorough explanation of the procedure and able to pay our bill without waiting so we could just leave when we were ready. We even received Rocky's ashes in a beautiful box and a sympathy card signed individually. We wish so badly we weren't so far away so we could continue to use Huffard's as our vet. more

THANK YOU! Veterinarians often come under fire for the loss of a pet because the vet is usually the last person to be responsible for the care of a sick or injured pet. Huffard Animal Hospital has been our veterinarian for over 20 years and made our tragic, emotionally devastating experience peaceful and humane. I cannot thank their staff enough for the way we were treated as well as the great care we have been given throughout the years. When we euthanized another pet after we moved across the bay bridge we were made to feel like undeducated hillbillies at our new vet. Our vet, Dr. McCafferty from Huffard's treated us compassionately and explained every thing she was going to be doing. We were able to have a private, comfortable room with a couch, a thorough explanation of the procedure and able to pay our bill without waiting so we could just leave when we were ready. We even received Rocky's ashes in a beautiful box and a sympathy card signed individually. We wish so badly we weren't so far away so we could continue to use Huffard's as our vet. more

Ok, all of those reviews I read that were "bad mouthing" huffards made me laugh. I have been bringing my 2 dogs to Huffard for 5 years now and have never had a problem, and yes things may cost money, like everything else in the whole entire world but Ive never had a problem with anyone or any prices. None of the front desk staff has ever been not trained well or unknowledgeable or anything of that sort, and the only time my one dog got sick, it was in the best interest to hospitalize him because he was SICK. If you don't plan on listening to the doctor and letting them do what they recommend, then why are you wasting your time going into the vet or even seeing a doctor if you can self treat your pet at home? You spend all the money on an exam and waste your time and gas (things that cost money) and then just think you know best and not the doctor? anyways....Another thing I have to say is: If you don't have any money, WHY do u have pets? Seriously. DONT KEEP GETTING ANIMALS IF YOU ARE BROKE! And when you call a Vet office and get prices, you make an appointment ... if you go to your appt and get ONLY what you asked about price wise, thats exactly how much it will cost, but I am sure you add on nail trims and your dogs ears are infected and u have to get medications and then your like "YOU QUOTED ME 80 DOLLARS WHY IS IT 200!?" That doesn't make any sense. Also, Why do people think things are free all of a sudden? Have you EVER been to your own human doctor and had it be free? And... If you are upset about how much a prescription costs, just get a written one. Or have the front desk call it in for you somewhere, like WALMART, where is "4 dollars." Anyways, stop adopting animals and finding random animals wondering around and taking them in and then never taking them to the vet because it costs money. Nothing is free, ever. Huffard is a wonderful office, the whole staff is great, the doctors are fantastic. I dont have a single complaint. Thank you. more

we took our 2 small dogs there for annual vaccinations...the doctor seemed very nice, She recommended this , that and the other test, when we asked prices in the exam room, she was very vague stating it's minimal. At time of checkout, it took 3 front desk personel to create bill. The supervisor stated "Wow, they really got the works!" Then the assistant said "I'm sorry but it's $511.00 !!! I expressed my concern about a urine test that Dr quoted roughly $28, there were 2 charges (in house test and sent out test), we were charged double. The Dr. recommended an anitbiotic for the one dog (ammoxicillon), and we were billed $128 for the same antibiotic you can get at walmart for $4.00. Bottom line is , they never quoted any prices or asked for our approval of a dollar amount up front or during the vist. They just assumed that because we love our dogs, money was no issue. When I advised them of my feelings about their "WOW" comment, the office manager became rude and defensive. I do not recommend this "rip-off establishment". They feel as though they don't need to get your approval for your money. more

My cat broke his leg. Sure I was worried, but I didn't think much of it when we took him there. I figured an xray or two, a cast, some pain meds and we'd be on our way. No. The vet came back with an xray that chilled me to the bone and a response that almost killed me. His leg was broken so badly, that we could either A) take him to a orthapedic sugreon which wasn't guaranteed to work or B) have his leg amputated. We decided to go through with the amputation, and trust me, I was heart broken. He had the surgery done Saturday, and he was home Monday evening. I must say they did a fantastic job. We are (and he is) still getting used to the idea, but he's doing great. The staff treated him amazingly, and answered every question I could come up with. They helped my cat and our family, and I am very thankful. I would definitely recommend them to anyone. more

The front desk staff was not very knowledgeable when it came to vaccine history, or what if any vaccines my pet needed. Just ask the Doctor, he'll let you know. I would like to know what expense I'm looking at prior to seeing the Doctor. So $300.00 later I'm walking out the door wondering why didn't someone tell me when I called for an appointment and specifically asked for cost? Around $150.00 is what I was told. Not that I would put a price on my pets health, but double what I was quoted? Train your staff better, or just don't quote prices. Tell them the office visit is, whatever, and the Doctor can give you a better estimate while you're here depending on what your pet requires. Nice hospital but don't call for prices, go with a friends recommendation first! more

I have taken all of our pets to Huffard for the past 12 years. When our last dog had to be put down the staff was wonderfully understanding and supportive. Since then we have adopted a 120lb black lab from a rescue. Cyrus has had many health problems that have proven to be costly. The doctors there have tried very hard to work with me in regards to payments. We love them! more

I take all of my pets to Huffard (and have for a number of years) and with few exceptions, the experience has been favorable. more

I have taken many of our past pets and our current pet (Golden Retriever) here for checkups, grooming and sick appointments over the years and they have always responded promptly with patience and understanding. I just tried the grooming service recently and it was excellent. Our Golden needs special attention because she stresses and has been known to stratch her nose until it bleeds. They took special care and attention to her to ensure that she did not hurt herself due to the stress of being left by mom. They have my business and I'm not one to be easily pleased when it comes to the care of my pets. more

Good: Excellent caring staff & doctors. They will do anything in their power to help you! I am offended that someone would call Dr. Goldman "slimy". We have had many pets for 20 years and Dr. Goldman is, by far the most considerate, knowledgeable, compassionet veterinarian we have ever met! He is so kind, he even lends my child books from his office. He met us there on a Sunday morning when it was time for our beloved dog, Kaos to go to heaven. He did not even make us pay at the time due to our sadness! A++++++++. Bad: N/A. Improvements: N/A. Other: Julie is the best groomer in the area. Her prices are great and my dogs love her! The staff is knowledgeable. Dr. Goldman even gave us his cell phone number. He called in a vital prescription of insulin when we were out of town and had forgotten it! It was 8PM Thanksgiving eve!!! He saved Max's life! We have 2 cats & 3 dogs & have never had an unpleasant experience! A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++. more

We've been taking our animals here for a few years now. 3 years ago one of our dogs got hit, and we rushed him there as quick as we could, but by the time we got there he had already passed. They were about to close for the night, but they showed great compassion and let us stay as we mourned the death of our beloved dog in one of their exam rooms. Our other dog recently suffered from Pyometra, and they were able to do a emergency spaying, which saved her life. They kept her for a few days for observation, and kept us informed of her progress via the phone till we could come pick her up. The staff have always been very professional and caring to us, and I highly recommend them to anyone with pets. more

Took our dog there. Was placed in the exam room at the time of our scheduled appointment and then left there to wait for the Vet. After 35 of waiting, I walked out. If I show up on time for my appointment, they do not get the privilege of making me wait 30+ minutes in a cramped exam room that smelled of cat urine. The place could use a good mop and a wipe down as well. The things you notice when you are stuck in a tiny room for so long... more

Huffard Animal Hospital is the place to go. Appointment making process was easy. Greeted by the front desk staff pleasantly. On time with my appointment. The veterinarian was patient and professional. The hospital is very clean. Check out process was smooth. Everyone at Huffard Animal Hospital is personable. I strongly recommend this place. more

Cant say enough good things about this hospital. It is clean and works like a well oiled machine. We have had to wait a bit before for an emergency, but if it were my dog that needed emergency care I would want their complete attention also. They saved my cats life 2 years ago. We will never go anywhere else for care. Dr. Goldman is a wonderful vet. more