Joybound People & Pets (formerly ARF)

4.7 (510 reviews)
2890 Mitchell Dr, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA

Hours

Monday 12:00 – 6:00 PM Tuesday 12:00 – 6:00 PM Wednesday 12:00 – 6:00 PM Thursday 12:00 – 6:00 PM Friday 12:00 – 6:00 PM Saturday 12:00 – 6:00 PM Sunday 12:00 – 6:00 PM

How to Save on Veterinary Costs at Joybound People & Pets (formerly ARF)

Preventive care

Routine wellness exams can help identify health issues early, often before they become more serious or expensive to treat. Regular checkups are one of the most effective ways to manage long term veterinary costs.

Compare prescription pricing

Some pet medications prescribed at veterinary clinics may also be available through local or online pharmacies. It can be helpful to compare pricing when appropriate to reduce ongoing medication costs.

Consider pet insurance

Pet insurance may help cover a portion of eligible veterinary expenses depending on the plan, including accidents, illnesses, and in some cases preventive care. Coverage details, reimbursement levels, and deductibles vary by provider.

Why Pet Insurance Information Appears on This Page

Looking for information about Joybound People & Pets (formerly ARF)? This page also includes pet insurance resources to help pet parents understand how to prepare for unexpected veterinary expenses.

Veterinary care costs can vary widely depending on the type of visit, treatment, or emergency. Many pet parents explore pet insurance before they need it so they are better prepared when unexpected situations arise.

How to Choose a Pet Insurance Provider

Pet Insurance Review helps pet parents compare insurance providers using verified customer reviews and real-world experiences. Our tools make it easier to evaluate providers based on claims experience, service quality, and overall satisfaction.

We have collected more than 220,000 reviews from pet parents, creating one of the largest independent databases of pet insurance feedback available.

How rankings are determined

Unexpected veterinary expenses can happen at any clinic. The providers below are ranked using verified reviews submitted by real pet parents through Pet Insurance Review. Results reflect overall satisfaction, claims experience, and value based on real world feedback. Rankings are updated regularly as new reviews are submitted.

Top Pet Insurance Providers of 2026
Rating Provider Total Review
4.8 Adoro 19
4.5 AKC 1,801
4.4 ASPCA 12,228
4.9 Embrace 19,973
4.9 Fetch 5,918
4.1 Figo 2,868
4.4 Hartville 183
4.9 Healthy Paws 11,371
4.8 Lemonade 833
4.6 ManyPets 2,416
4.7 MetLife 11,234
4.8 Nationwide 25,705
3.9 Pet Assure 15
4.3 PetPartners 121
4.9 Pets Best 15,347
4.8 Prudent Pet 2,867
4.7 Pumpkin 3,545
4.6 Spot 11,586
4.9 Trupanion 55,033

Compare Pet Insurance Plans

You can compare coverage options from multiple providers to find a plan that fits your budget and your pet’s healthcare needs.


Getting to Know Your Veterinarian

Choosing a veterinarian is an important decision for pet parents. A strong vet relationship is built on trust, communication, and understanding your pet’s individual needs.

Experience

Ask whether the clinic has experience treating your specific type of pet, since care can vary between dogs, cats, and pocket pets.

Emergency Care Procedures

It’s helpful to understand how the clinic handles after-hours emergencies, including whether they provide emergency services or refer to nearby emergency hospitals.

Communication Preferences

Ask how the clinic communicates with pet parents, including updates, test results, and follow up questions.

Breed Specific Health Considerations

Some breeds may be more prone to certain health conditions. Early awareness can help with prevention and early treatment.

Facility Tour

If available, touring the clinic can help you and your pet feel more comfortable before the first visit.


Final Note

Pet care decisions often involve both medical and financial considerations. Having access to trusted veterinary information alongside pet insurance comparisons can help pet parents feel more confident when planning for their pet’s health and wellbeing.

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Reviews from Google

4.7

510 reviews

We came here in the hopes of adopting a doodle. Unfortunately a line had formed for the dog we went to look at at 9am, and it was adopted out before we could meet it. Nonetheless, we were highly impressed by all of the following: • They don't discriminate against those of us who aren't rich enough to own our own house and have a yard. This is a huge breath of fresh air. • They clearly know and care a lot about their dogs, with a vet visit, vaccinations, and neutering/spaying already finished before they even list the dog. • Adoption prices are very affordable. It's worth noting that if the dog/breed you're looking at is in high demand you'll have to show up very early to have a chance at adopting it. Three people had already lined up at 9am for a chance to meet the puppy we came to look on the very first day that it was available (their doors open at noon). This is simply the downside of a first-come first-served basis, and is definitely worth it given that it makes adoption of uncommon breeds available to those of more modest means.

Sep 14, 2024

Loved the experience. Went with a friend who adopted a kitten from them. They are promoting adoption and it aligns with my cause/experience. All the animals were kept in separate large rooms. All the kids were well groomed, healthy and ready to be taken to their forever homes. I appreciate them having a very detailed adoption process- specially good if you are going to be pet parent for the first time. They also have amazing merchandise. There are many animal care facilities near the adoption center. The staff is very supportive and polite.

Nov 18, 2023

I am deeply thankful for the team at Joybound. When I faced a challenging situation with my adopted dog (not the fault of the dog at all), Ursula was incredible. She called me several times and spent almost an hour on the phone, offering professional, understanding, supportive, and caring advice. Ursula was like a therapist during this difficult time, always looking out for the best future of the dogs. She kept me informed every step of the way, offering valuable advice and reassurance. The staff I interacted with during my visits were equally compassionate and caring. One staff member even shared a heartfelt moment with me, which meant a lot to me during such a tough time. My previous experience with the fostering team was also wonderful. They provide the best care possible for these pups with so much personal attention. Joybound is not an average shelter. I respect and admire the work they are doing. The dedication and care they provide give me confidence that dogs under their care will have the best futures. If you are considering adopting a pet, I highly encourage you to visit Joybound. The staff’s dedication and the exceptional care they provide ensure that every animal has the best chance at a loving home.

Jun 16, 2024

This was the most amazing place I've been to in so long!! I am a disabled veteran so money is tight I was so happy when my va rep told me about this place! On Wednesdays they help out the veteran community by offering us free help for our furry little family members!! Yes I said FREE!!! That is free shots and spay and neuter and flea and tick and heart worm prevention also the check up and all other concerns were addressed while I was while I was there too!! I don't know what else could have been better really!!!??!! They were so incredibly nice too! they spent an hour with us and made sure to answer all my questions as well. I have 2 dogs and they offer all this to both my puppers!! I am so amazed and so thankful like for real I know I have said it a million times over now but thank you guys so very very much and I have told so many people to go to you and that you guys are wonderful brilliant and just super awesome all around!!!!

May 21, 2023

We went in to check on about giving donations and found our youngest! Staff was super nice definitely were trying to find perfect and good homes. We were interested in one cat but already had 2 others however she was sure to inform us of the health risks towards our other cats bringing home that one she maybe she wasn’t a good fit! We ended up getting a different cutie though, who fits perfectly with our family!

Jun 30, 2019