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PETS Referral Center

1048 University Ave
Berkeley, CA 94710 510-548-6684
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Animals practice treats
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Consumer Ratings for PETS Referral Center — 17 Ratings

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Percent of customers who rated service "superior" for: | = average for all veterinarians
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Consumer Comments for PETS Referral Center

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Consumer from San Francisco Bay Area
Jun 19, 2025
Terrible experience here, would never go here again unless it was an absolute emergency. I brought my rabbit here as he was experiencing trouble breathing and I suspected an upper respiratory infection; they brought him back immediately and put him on oxygen while trying to calm him to prevent a heart attack (common in rabbits when extremely stressed). My other rabbit (his bonded mate) was in her carrier in the lobby surrounded by large dogs that were barking and trying to lunge at her, which stressed her out, there was no area for small animals to be separated. I had to finally ask if I could be placed in an area away from all the dogs. The entire experience felt less about treatment options for my rabbit and more focused on payment. Before receiving any information on what was happening, they had me pay a $1300 deposit for services. After paying and waiting awhile, I finally received word that my rabbit had a mass in his lungs that was likely cancerous. The vet suggested that I hospitalize him for approximately $5,000 over the next 24-48 hours and then possibly do a $5,000+ open chest surgery that he would likely not survive. Again instead of telling me what would be best for him and his quality of life, I was presented with a quote for the services and another request for a deposit. I spoke to the vet multiple times and she told me it wasn't worth spending my savings to try to save him (heartbreaking to hear as a pet owner). I made the horrific choice of euthanizing him, the vet telling me that I and my other rabbit could be with him during the process. Instead, he was brought to me by one of the vet techs that had burrito'ed him in a pee soaked towel covering his face when he already couldn't breathe. His last moments were spent completely sedated, in a pee covered towel and then taken away to be euthanized alone. The entire experience felt like a shakedown for payment, walking me through paid options for different cremation services, speciality boxes for ashes and wooden pet paw prints while I was in hysterics before I could even see him. Overall it was a traumatic and very expensive experience going here and the staff lacked compassion and empathy while handling the euthanasia process of my rabbit. The lack of sensitivity from the various staff I encountered during this experience was extremely off putting and I left after paying nearly $1,400 later for my pet to pass (they charged almost $600 for 3 X-rays). I wish I could have gone to my regular vet for this process as it would have been handled with much more grace. Again, I would only take my pet here if there was literally no other option available.
Consumer from Berkeley, CA
Feb 18, 2023
During the past 3 years of kitty cancer, we have felt very well-cared for. The staff is really sweet and the doctor cares a lot and seems highly competent. They know it's a financial stretch to pay for ongoing care and they are respectful and help us make decisions that feel pet- and owner-centric. Dr. Siedlecki takes a collaborative approach, inviting our input on making care decisions. It may be helpful to know that owners are not allowed to accompany their pets past the waiting room due to Covid.
Consumer from San Francisco, CA
Oct 26, 2022
We came here when our dog passed and they were so caring and warm.

...and 7 more consumer comments for PETS Referral Center

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