VCA Encina Veterinary Medical Center

3.5 (106)
2803 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA

Hours:

Monday: Open 24 hours

Tuesday: Open 24 hours

Wednesday: Open 24 hours

Thursday: Open 24 hours

Friday: Open 24 hours

Saturday: Open 24 hours

Sunday: Open 24 hours

How to Save Money at VCA Encina Veterinary Medical Center

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 11,414
4.9 Embrace 14,242
4.9 Fetch 2,055
4.4 Figo 2,580
4.7 Hartville 164
4.9 Healthy Paws 7,477
4.9 Lemonade 783
3.2 ManyPets 2,156
4.6 MetLife 493
4.8 Nationwide 21,393
4.3 Pet Assure 12
4.7 PetPartners 110
4.5 Pets Best 7,196
4.3 Pumpkin 1,163
4.7 Spot 5,275
4.9 Trupanion 60,301
4.8 Prudent Pet 125

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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Cecilia H

A few weeks back, my dog, Bobbi, who's almost 2, took a sudden turn for the worse. After a visit to our regular vet, it became clear she needed more care, and that's when we found ourselves at VCA Encina Emergency Veterinary Hospital. From the moment I walked in, we felt we were in good hands, and the experience was nothing short of amazing. The entire office staff was efficient and kind, and they quickly admitted Bobbi for the care she needed. It was a relief knowing she was being taken care of so well. Let me share my experience with Dr. Russell. When we met in person a couple of days later, it felt like reconnecting with an old friend. Dr. Russell not only radiates warmth but also impressed me with her extensive knowledge. I trust her completely when it comes to Bobbi's well-being. In the midst of a worrying situation, Dr. Russell and the team at Encina Emergency Veterinary Hospital were a ray of hope. If you ever find yourself needing emergency care for your fur baby, know that your pet is in the best of hands at VCA Encina. Thank you, Dr. Russell, and the entire team, for making us feel like part of the family and taking such great care of Bobbi

posted: 09/11/2023

Paul Hong

If you're looking for Dr.s and a staff that has a passion for caring for animals and understand the concerns of us, you've found the place. After multiple scans, ultra sounds, an edoscopy, overnight stay and wonderful care by this team, our loving Bengal Cat, Katara is on her road to full recovery. Plug for Trupanion pet insurance also. Life saver for us. Got mine through State Farm. Thank you VCA Encina! Hope we never see you again but great to know you are there!

posted: 08/13/2023

MMS
MMS

I have never been to Encino before yet I have only heard good things. With a fresh foxtail in ear my dog was back to his old self within 30 minutes from walking through the front door. The staff, and doctor, could not have been more helpful. A heart felt thank you to all from Boudreaux and his mom.

posted: 04/29/2023

Margherita Sorci

I had a great experience with Dr. Elizabeth M. and her assistant Alex. Dr. M. made poor Lucy feel comfortable. I was so happy to see my kitties favorite doctor in person! I always have a great experience, they are compassionate and very respectful. Thank you and see you soon! Margarite

posted: 04/03/2022

Alexandria Contreras

I had taken my cat there for emergency treatment as he had eaten a Lily. They told me verbatim "As soon as you are ready to pay the estimate, we're ready to begin treatment." If you're going to be in healthcare of any kind, compassion must be a part of treatment. The receptionist, VET Tech, Vet, I couldn't believe the strange hostility from the entire staff, they were rude, preyed upon my fears, and didn't offer any follow up guidance for my cat. Take your pet anywhere else but here.

posted: 08/09/2023