Clayton Valley Pet Hospital

Dr. Aparicio looked at my Kiwi-​melon guinea pig wound and determined that Sir Truffles Wendell aka «Afro» guinea pig apparently bit Kiwi-​melon guinea pig. Kiwi-​melon got an abscess from the bite (which I thought was just a double chin since Kiwi-​melon has quite the appetite.) Today, that abscess burst in all it’s puss and glory. Since there was a big gaping hole in his neck as a result and I determined that I needed a guinea pig vet. STAT!
After calling 8 different vets, Dr. Aparicio was recommended to me and her staff were able to fit Kiwi-​melon in last minute. Kiwi-​melon was very well behaved for Dr. Aparicio and it was clear from the start that loves animals and clearly would spend all day with each one if she could (that being said I much rather wait than not be seen at all! Anything for my Kiwi-​melon). She was the most knowledgeable and confident vet I have every had when it comes to guinea pigs. She took care of my Kiwi-melon’s burst abscess with ease.
She made him comfortable in a towel as she shaved around the wound, cleaned it out, and glued it shut. She prescribed an antibiotic and probiotic (to take care of his delicate tummy balance). Dr. Aparicio’s vet tech was also really on top of it, confident, and helpful. Both of them were great at explaining each step and why things were happening.
Dr. Aparicio also recommended that I spend more time with Afro so that he is more docile and less likely to dominate/​bite Kiwi-​melon. I had been doing the opposite, spending more time with Kiwi-​melon because he seemed the more timid/​submissive. She said to watch their behavior but that they did not need to be separated at this time. I’m very grateful for this behavioral advice on top of the medical. Afro is sitting in my lap in «don’t attack your brother» training as I type this review.
I highly recommend Dr. Aparicio and her staff for all your guinea pig needs!

We have taken our 2 chihuahuas here for a few years now. Staff is always kind and informative. The doctor truly cares about your pet and wants you to understand everything that goes on with them.

I have been coming to Clayton Valley Pet Hospital for many year. I was so Happy when Dr. A took it over. She is truly an amazing and caring vet. She treats myself and my pets like we are family. I have 3 dogs, and have nothing but good things to say. When I lost my last dog to cancer, they didn’t force me to go with the Chemo route, and didn’t make me feel bad about my decision. They were supportive with the decision I made. The staff is awesome as well. Dr. A always takes the time to teach them as she is treating the animals, and I totally respect that, because good vets are hard to find.

My dog Daisy and Cat Luna has been seeing Dr Aparcio for a few years now.
Great service and very good attention to the animals. The prices are very reasonable.
I would highly recommend this place.

When no other vet I went to three including an emergency room that said my dog may have dementia okay when none of these places helped could help after crying in parking lots feeling hopeless because I knew my baby Nala did NOT have dementia and I refuse to put her to sleep I tell you CLAYTON VALLEY PET HOSPITAL made me and Nala feel like family they didn’t ask for money up front or hand me a loan application or seem money motivated and at payment time the fees were fair and worth it. She cured Nala and Nala does not have dementia she truly cares she’s a wonder woman Dr. A HELPED and we figured out it was an infection. Nala is back to normal and I’m so thankful ad grateful to the team of earth angels at veterinary office. God bless you ladies. I will always keep all of you in my prayers for helping save my baby girl Nala. Forever loyal to you Clayton valley pet hospital. Thank you again. I wouldn’t go anywhere ever but here.

I felt very welcome by the staff and totally safe bringing my beloved poodle-​child here! He had been uncomfortable with symptoms for a week, the doctor new her stuff, we were in and out in no time! I noticed my dog was immediately relaxed and relieved after our visit. Let’s just say the ladies that work here are not afraid to get their hands dirty! I am supper sensitive and don’t like to see my dog in pain or discomfort but he didn’t even so much as whimper while getting (eh hem) probed :/​they gave him a quick injection and he was fine with it even though he was obviously terrified. Unfortunately for him they has to express his anal glands, which was totally gross and tramatizing in my mind, and as revenge my dog made a mess in the office. I was mortified but the doc was totally cool about it and laughed it off saying it was just his way of saying he didn’t like what she did to him.
I also wanted to mention, I was able to get an appointment the same day I called, I chose to come in the next day but I was impressed because the first place I called was booked for 2 weeks! As I had suspected my dog had an infection and I wasn’t willing to wait that long! I don’t know if we just got lucky, but I am sure thankful that we got in when we did!

Took my 5 month old kitten in for an exam/​booster shots pre-​neuter. Staff is excellent, all very caring and engaged. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars was due to the wait — we were there a full hour before we saw the Vet.
Once meeting Dr. Aparacio, I understood the wait — she’s very thorough and doesn’t rush the exam. She was able to pick up on a possible autoimmune issue with my cat, and started treatment.
You know it’s a great place, because my cat was calm as could be, never stressed and even fell asleep for a bit.

I brought a guinea pig in for an exam and nail trim. I was very impressed with the front office staff, the assistant who was knowledgeable about guinea pigs and the vet who was very thorough during the exam, very gentle with the guinea pig, and to the point. I would definitely return,

I have been going here for many years and with the different ownership and could not be any happier. The staff is very helpful, loving, and is top notch to my dogs. From my small bichon to my two large dobermans. Dr. Aparacio is the type of doctor that TRULY cares for my dogs and gives you her opinion on what should be done for there health, not her pockets. I HIGHLY recommend you bring your pets here!!! THIS PLACE ROCKS!!!

Dr. Aparicio has turned CVPH into a true Diamond in the rough with an amazing staff and a lot of work. I took my previous dog, Bob to Dr. J 20 years ago in the same location. There have been many changes since he retired, not all good. When I adopted Ceasar, I took him to a close by vet for a free exam. He wanted to put Ceasar on antibiotics when there was nothing wrong!
I was so relieved to find CVPH in better hands. Her exam of Ceasar was thorough, and she offered to let me listen to his heart when she discovered a murmur.
I leave him there when I have to go out of town-​he loves the staff and I never worry about his care.

Don’t let the aesthetics of this place deter you from going here! Staff was super friendly and knowledgeable! The Dr. clearly knows and cares about animals and is very to the point. I was really impressed with our initial visit and will be taking all of our pets here. I’ve been to other vets over the years who were very expensive and always tried to sell you everything under the sun for your pet and with exorbitant fees. This place is very reasonable and didn’t try to ‘sell’ me a bunch of services and products.

I’ve owned dogs and cats for almost 20 years, and having moved around a lot, I’ve been to a lot of different vets. This is my favorite by far. They’re very professional and caring, and always give me options for what we can do, without railroading me into the most expensive one. In fact, they often have worked hard to find a solution that is the least expensive one.
In response to the reviewers who say the building is old or tired, I’m sorry, but if you want a brand-​new, shiny, high-​end veterinarian, expect to pay through the nose for it. (see: Walnut Creek Emergency Veterinary Hospital. Crazy $$$) Where do you think they got the money to pay for such a building? I like that Dr. Aparicio focuses on taking care of animals and only charging what is necessary, and not spending money making it shiny.
Finally, they helped me through putting my 15 year old cat to sleep last year, which was an incredibly sad experience. They were kind and thoughtful, and understood the pain I was feeling.

New to the area and needed a new vet. Found Clayton Valley Pet Hospital on Unilocal and decided to give it a try since our previous vet in Walnut Creek was crazy expensive (most likely due to high overhead). At 1^st impression, i was taken back by the décor, its old and doesn’t look like its been touched in 30+ years. Other then that, the staff was very nice. I brought my 11 year old dog in for a sore on her eye and i had mentally prepared my self for the worst outcome and bill. Fortunately, it turned out to be healing and with the help of some meds, she’ll be just fine in a few weeks. The vet was very knowledgable, blunt but honest. I can tell that she had my dogs best interest in mind. I get why some reviews say she rubbed them the wrong way, some people can’t handle that sort of personality. She’s not going to sugar coat anything and i’m personally ok with that. I’m not looking for a vet to be my buddy, i want one that can help me care for my pets and not rob me blind in the process. My bill came to $ 225 for office visit, meds for her eye, nail trim and some glucosomine to help my old girl with her arthritis. Totally reasonable in my opinion. I’ll definitely continue to bring her there. Oh and she offers holistic healing with i think is pretty great. She does acupuncture, laser therapy and prefers less invasive treatments with the least amount of side affects. I only deducted one star for the wait. i was there for close to 2 hours and there were no other clients ahead of me. So yeah, that was a bit strange.

I take both my dogs here. What I like is that the staff is very friendly, and they truly truly love their patients. I love that they are there to take care of my animals, and not try to sell me on more service like Banfield and then try to make me feel like a bad dog owner when I refuse to pay $ 800 for kennel cough…
the only thing keeping me from giving them 5 stars is the fact that when you go, you tend to spend what feels like an eternity there. When I make an appointment for my dogs, I typically block out 2 hours just for ONE. It’s a little annoying.
Aside from that, Dr. Aparicio and her team are good people with the best interest at heart for your little friends.

One year ago, I adopted a dog from Martinez and named him Rascal. In hindsight I should have named him something like Relaxed or Calm or even Sane… because he lives up to every part of his name. He is a rascal.
I brought him to Clayton Valley Pet Hospital for our free visit on the advice of a friend and they were wonderful. He was a little skittish after living shelter life, and was not fond of people he didn’t know. The doctor diagnosed him, gave us some medication and sent us on our way.
After having him for a few months, he broke his leg. The doctor wrapped up his leg and scheduled him for surgery. A week later he was all fixed with a metal plate and countless screws… then came the fun part. My little Rascal HATED his cast and he would chew it off every single chance he got. We were in the vet office once or twice a week. One visit happened after I came home from work to find him in his cage, cast half off and leg hanging (at least I thought it was). Being the overemotional doggy mama I am, I didn’t look too closely, just packed him up in the car and walked into the vets office crying. They took Rascal in, rewrapped his cast, assured me that nothing was wrong and everything was going to be fine.
There have been a few times that I needed advice and they are always very helpful and informative. I never have to wait too long for an appointment and always are happy to see us.
Fast forward a year later. Rascal is all healed, and absolutely LOVES going to the vet. He’s still not too fond of those cold metal tables, but who would be?

I’m not sure how this place received such high marks. Self/​family reviewers perhaps. I took may cat here recently and was less than impressed. The vet was not friendly at all and the facilities were dirty. I have been to many vets over the years, and this was probably the worst. I will be looking elsewhere.

Can’t say enough good things about this place. We have been going here for years. Dr Aparicio took over this practice about 5 years ago, she has been the best veterinarian that has owned this practice. Both her and her staff are very knowledgeable, helpful, caring, and have good follow through.
Prices are good. You can tell they truly care about animals and know what they are doing.

Such a wonderful experience for both me and my 9 year old Shiba Inu Dashi. I used to take Dashi to Dr. Aparicio when she was in Alameda. I am so glad that I followed her to her new practice in Concord.
Dashi had an appointment to assess if he needed his teeth cleaned. After catching up a bit, Dr. Aparicio gave me the alternative of not cleaning Dashi’s teeth and me just doing a better job of brushing or her cleaning his teeth with a mild sedative vs. anesthesia. Long story short, the doctor and her team went to work on Dashi right away so I did not have to wait long or come back another day (we live almost an hour away). Towards the end of the procedure, Dr. Aparicio came to get me from the waiting room and brought me to where Dashi was in the procedure room. We sat and talked about Dashi’s chipped tooth and she even demonstrated the ultrasound cleaning tool (über cool!) and my cat’s issues too while Dashi came off the sedative. How many of you have ever seen the back room of a vet office let alone being present for part of the procedure?
Dashi had his teeth cleaned, a mole removed and his nails clipped for $ 130 less than the lowest teeth cleaning quote that I had gotten, including post procedural antibiotics. Keep in mind that it’s not the $$ that I’m concerned with but my own peace of mind that I am doing the best for my pets.
I can not tell you how glad that I located and followed Dr. Aparicio to her new location. My only complaint is that I was not introduced to the staff by name so I couldn’t thank them or mention by name.

The staff here is excellent. I took my rabbit in for an exam when she had fleas and a cold. They were busy, so the wait took a while but Dr. Aparacio (sp?) was very knowledgeable of her breed. I’ve never seen anyone handle a rabbit so well (rabbits are very nervous creatures and need to be kept calm). She wasn’t the friendliest person but considering it was a Friday at 5 pm I understood. All in all, it was a great visit, especially since the cost of exam and two different medications was only $ 160. Highly recommend for dog/​cat and of course, rabbit owners!

Being new to Concord, I had no idea where to turn for vet services when my lovable Siamese mix came down with a nasty cold. Being temporarily underemployed, I was hoping to find someplace reasonable, yet still knowledgeable and caring. After reading a gazillion reviews, I still had yet to make up my mind, and was actually starting to call around hoping to find some place where I could just buy antibiotics and possibly skip the huge vet bill.
On one such call to a Clayton feed store, I was referred to Clayton Valley Pet Hospital. It’s under new ownership and is only a couple of blocks away, so I decided to give it a go. My call was answered on the first ring, and I was told that no, they couldn’t sell me the antibiotic as they had never seen my little girl before, but yes, they could get me in at 10:30 that morning to examine her.
Clayton Valley Pet Hospital is a smallish building on Clayton Road between Ignacio and Treat with a parking lot as well as available 2 hr. street parking. The receptionist was warm in her greeting and I felt comfortable in the waiting area filling out my intake forms. They have two cats and a couple of very quiet chihuahuas to help other animals feel comfortable, too.
Meezer and I were taken to a room right away after finishing our paperwork, and a very nice tech came in to ask questions and take her temperature. She was great, sensitive to Meezer not feeling well, was obviously well educated, and was careful in taking Meezer’s temperature.
The Dr. came in shortly thereafter and was great. She carefully examined Meezer, and talked to her and made her feel comfortable. She explained to me all of the possibilities, asking questions about diet and environment and social habits. She was very thorough and I didn’t feel rushed at all. The tech stayed also and they worked well with each other during the examination.
After the examination and discussion, a course of treatment was agreed upon that took into consideration keeping other animals in the house healthy during Meezer’s recovery, and I was on my way.
While several suggestions were made, I was not pressured to accept any of them. I opted to skip blood testing at this time and go with the antibiotic for Meezer, and immune boosting chews for the other cats at home. My total came to $ 106. I was very pleased. The same visit at my old vet would have cost nearly twice that.
Thanks so much Dr. Aparicio! I’ll definitely be back.