VCA Animal Wellness Center of Marin

4.3 (53)
506 4th St, San Rafael, CA 94901, USA

Hours:

Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday: Closed

How to Save Money at VCA Animal Wellness Center of Marin

Schedule Regular Vet Visits

One of the best ways to save on vet bills is to prevent expensive health issues before they develop. By scheduling regular wellness checkups, your vet can detect health issues early, helping you to avoid costly treatments and surgeries down the road.

Price Shop for Pet Prescriptions

Oftentimes our fur babies are prescribed human drugs off-label. Your vet is apt to charge more for these medications than you would pay at your local pharmacy. In fact, big-box or chain pharmacies can offer steep discounts. So it’s best to price shop.

Pet Insurance

Most pet insurance providers will pay between 80% and 90% of the vet bill. You can even get coverage for routine care and things like vaccinations and dental cleanings. If you do the math, you’ll most likely find that pet insurance makes financial sense in the long run as well as gives you peace of mind.

How Do You Choose the Right Pet Insurance Provider?

Pet Insurance Review makes it incredibly easy for pet parents to select an insurance provider they feel good about. You can use our handy comparison tool to get the gist of what a company offers. We’ve also collected over 150,000 reviews of insurance companies from real pet parents like you to rank the top providers in the market. Here is the current ranking of each:

Top Pet Insurance Providers of 2024
Rating Provider Total Review
4.4 AKC 889
4.7 ASPCA 11,392
4.9 Embrace 14,179
4.9 Fetch 1,995
4.4 Figo 2,561
4.7 Hartville 164
4.9 Healthy Paws 7,475
4.9 Lemonade 781
3.2 ManyPets 2,145
4.6 MetLife 487
4.8 Nationwide 21,391
4.3 Pet Assure 12
4.7 PetPartners 110
4.5 Pets Best 7,194
4.3 Pumpkin 1,131
4.7 Spot 5,194
4.9 Trupanion 60,280
4.8 Prudent Pet 124

Or, you can simply get a fast quote from multiple providers and go from there.

Thinking of insuring your pet?

Get Quotes & Compare

Getting to Know Your New Vet: Essential Questions to Ask

Choosing a new veterinarian is an important decision for any pet owner. You want to find someone who is competent, compassionate, and a good fit for you and your fur baby. To help you get the most out of your first appointment, here's a list of essential questions to ask your new vet:

Tell me about your experience with [pet type].

Different vets have different areas of specialization. Some are experts with cats, some dogs, some pocket pets, and some horses. Knowing that your vet has vast experience treating your specific type of pet can bring you peace of mind.

How do you handle emergencies?

You must know what to do in case of a pet medical emergency. Inquire what after-hours policy the clinic has, whether they have on-site emergency care available, and if they have a relationship with any nearby emergency animal hospitals.

How do you communicate with pet owners?

Good communication is key to building a trusting relationship with your vet. Ask how they prefer to communicate (phone calls, emails, online portal) and how often you can expect to hear from them.

Are there any breed-specific health concerns I should be aware of?

Some breeds are predisposed to certain health conditions. Knowing what to watch out for can help you catch problems early and get your pet the treatment they need.

Do you have any questions for me about my pet?

This is a great question to ask because the answer will show that the vet is interested in getting to know your pet as an individual and is willing to listen to your concerns.

Bonus question: Can I take a tour of your facility?

Getting a feel for the clinic's environment can help you and your pet feel more comfortable during your visits. Remember, you’re not just looking for a veterinarian, you’re looking for a partnership. Do not be afraid to ask these questions and any others you can think of. Any vet worth their salt will be happy to answer them. Because the more informed you are, the better equipped you'll be to make decisions about your pet's care! And that should be every vet’s top priority.

Reviews from Google

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Leonard Wheeler

From the moment I walked through the doors of the VCA Animal Hospital in San Rafael, I felt an undeniable warmth and commitment that’s not always easy to find in today’s world. The staff exuded an impressive blend of professionalism paired with genuine compassion, ensuring both my pet and I felt comfortable and understood. Dr. Siek showcased not just a profound knowledge about animal health, but a heart that truly cares for the well-being of every creature that walks into their care. Their adept diagnostic skills and detailed explanations helped me feel informed and confident about my pet’s treatment, making what could have been a nerve-wracking experience, surprisingly reassuring. Additionally, the support staff was nothing short of outstanding. From their prompt service to their unwavering patience in answering my multitude of questions, it was evident that they are not just there for a job, but for a calling. They truly complement the wonderful vet and elevate the overall service to an unparalleled level. In an age where quality healthcare – whether human or animal – is indispensable, the team at VCA Animal Hospital in San Rafael shines as a beacon of excellence. They don't just treat symptoms; they heal with their expertise, comfort with their kindness, and remind us of the powerful bond between humans and their furry (or not-so-furry) friends. If you’re in the area and in search of a place that treats your pet like family, look no further. This team doesn’t just deserve five stars, they’ve earned each one, and then some!

posted: 09/14/2023

Samantha Savich

I hate to leave a bad review, but I must to make sure others are aware of how cruel and crooked this vet is. I have a very sick geriatric cat, who has been having diarrhea issues. We were anxiously awaiting for results after a stool sample was collected. We then found out he had a parasite and needed a prescription. Then things started to go haywire…. The vet wanted to continue poking and prodding my poor cat. I simply wanted to get the prescription filled before spending an exorbitant amount on vet bills and putting more stress on my cat. The vet techs and vet started shouting and asked that we leave!?! I am still trying to wrap my head around why they made such a big deal and were denying our request for the prescription!!!! They started hanging up on me when requesting the rx and paperwork. They even stated I am no longer allowed on the property!!! The whole process here is a money making sham. There is a HUGE lack of empathy for the pets. In the end, I wasted my cat’s time and $230 for no results. PLEASE save your time and go to another vet.

posted: 01/25/2023

Kyle Huscher

I am deeply disappointed with my visit to this VCA two days ago. Long story short, the staff asked us to return next week then charged us full price for that visit...when they were the ones to recommend moving it. Now we are saddling with paying for two visits for a single exam. Would encourage, and appreciate, if management could reach out to correct this. Came with Murphy.

posted: 10/13/2022

Mich Dopiro

Really sweet staff and caring vets! My pets are always in good hands here.

posted: 06/30/2023

Jim Long

Dr. Sindell (?) was wonderful today when we had to put down our kitty, Cinnamon. Very compassionate and caring. We, and her sister Coriander, will grieve her for a long time, but knowing she is out of pain is a great relief. Thank you!

posted: 01/17/2022