PETS Referral Center

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PETS Referral Center

PETS Referral Center "Animals are such agreeable friends, they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms." ~ George Eliot
(236)

At PETS Referral Center, your pet is cared for by highly qualified specialists who are more than outstanding doctors — they’re truly exceptional people, handpicked for their genuine compassion and unwavering commitment to doing what’s best for each pet and family. We are committed to ensuring your pet receives the most comprehensive, effective care by not only working seamlessly with one another, but also with you and your primary care veterinarian.

12/25/2024

🎅❤️ Merry Christmas! This season, may your home be filled with warmth, love, and the joyful spirit of companionship. Wishing you a wonderful day with your beloved pets! 🐾✨

12/24/2024

While unwrapping gifts, don’t forget to keep an eye on your curious pets! 🎁🐾 Small toy parts, ribbons, wrapping paper, and holiday treats can pose serious hazards. Let’s make sure our furry friends have a safe and joyful Christmas Day! 🎄✨

12/23/2024

🌟 STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Mariana McElroy
Client Service Representative

"I started at PETS this past May, and it’s my first time working in an ER. I currently work as a CSR but am in school to become an RVT.

I’ve always loved learning about animals and decided to pursue a career in VetMed seriously in 2020. I started volunteering at a ranch, taking care of horses, and volunteering at a shelter, working with dogs and cats. After doing that for about a year, I secured a position at a primary care vet, where I fell in love with VetMed.

Ever since childhood, I’ve been fascinated with animals, whether it was learning or caring for them. I can’t remember a point in my life where I wasn’t surrounded by animals. I grew up around dogs, cats, horses, and goats. I loved being outdoors and would always catch lizards, snakes, and frogs. At one point, when I was around 10 years old, I found a baby possum that I cared for. I was raised to be compassionate towards all animals and I’m thankful as that’s a value I will always hold with me.

I currently have my 6-month-old puppy, Biggie, another dog, Lulu, two cats, and three goats. I love big dogs, so I took on the challenge of getting a Cane Corso. While he can be annoying at times, Biggie’s a very smart and well-tempered pup, and I wouldn’t trade him for the world. He’s the best.

Outside of work I usually like to get outdoors with my pup, I enjoy taking him on scenic trails around the Bay Area. I also enjoy cooking and learning new recipes. I'm always cooking for my family during the holidays. Although I’m in scrubs most of the time, I enjoy online shopping and get a package in the mail probably every other week (it’s a terrible habit).

Although my time at PETS is just starting, I feel I’ve learned so much. I love working in ER and the range that comes with it. I am looking forward to getting my RVT license and continuing to learn and experience more."

12/20/2024

Emergencies are never planned, but you can count on us to be here when it matters most! 🐾 We’ll be open throughout the holiday season, ready to provide the care your pet needs, no matter the day. 🎄❤️

12/18/2024

This winter, ensure your pet's safety by keeping an urgent care or emergency vet in your contacts! ❄️🐾

Accidents and emergencies can happen anytime, and being prepared can make all the difference. Whether it's a tumble or a sudden illness, having a trusted vet's number at your fingertips can provide peace of mind. Let’s keep our furry friends safe and sound this season! ❤️

https://petsreferralcenter.com/contact/

12/13/2024

👀🐾 Are you worried that your pet may be suffering from corneal ulcers? Here are a few signs:

- Redness and swelling in the eye
- Excessive tearing or discharge
- Squinting or discomfort, especially in bright light
- Frequent pawing at the eye
- Cloudy or dull appearance of the cornea
- Changes in behavior, like irritability or withdrawal
- Sensitivity to light or reluctance to go outside

If you notice any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further damage and ease your pet’s discomfort.

12/11/2024

🐾 Exciting news for Berkeley pet parents! PETS Referral Center now offers Radiology Services 7 Days a Week to ensure your furry family members receive the best care possible. 🩺✨

📌 Our services include:
✔️ Ultrasound
✔️ CT
✔️ Radiography

Because your pets deserve nothing but the best.

12/09/2024

🌟 STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Claire White
Surgery Technician

"I have worked at PETS for about 2 and a half years now. I started in the ER department and learned a lot there, then moved to the surgery team for what was supposed to be temporary coverage, but I loved it so much that I have been a permanent member of the team for the vast majority of my PETS career thus far.

I didn't always know I wanted to be involved in vet med, but I have known for a while that I love taking care of animals. While I was a student, I had many jobs and internships working with a wide range of animals; I interned at the Oakland Zoo, helped to take care of and milk a herd of goats, took care of monkeys at a primate research center, and volunteered at a wildlife rehabilitation center. I landed my job at PETS right after graduation, and since then, I have learned so much and have fallen in love with medicine! I have since gone back to school to become a licensed vet tech through a PETS-sponsored program.

Working with animals is incredibly rewarding. Much of vet medicine is like solving a puzzle and requires attention to detail, especially since our patients can't use words to tell us how they feel and what is wrong. It feels great to be able to figure out what the problem is, solve it, and see them feel better. It's also wonderful being surrounded by animals all day and getting to connect with them during their time in the hospital. Nothing beats that!

I have 2 wonderful kitties named Lasagna and Louie, but they are a little camera-shy and declined to be photographed. Fortunately, my dear friend SpankyDoodle was available. Even though he technically belongs to one of my coworkers, we're great friends, and I always love seeing him whenever he's at work. His hobbies include rolling around in freshly cut grass, chewing on his leash, and sharing his bed with Wee Willie (his cat)

When I'm not at work, I enjoy finding cute coffee shops to do homework in, going to antique stores, and walking in the beautiful bay area scenery."

11/28/2024

Remember to keep dangerous foods away from your furry friends as you celebrate the holiday. It’s always best to stick to pet-friendly treats and keep their health and safety in mind. Wishing you and your pets a safe and happy Thanksgiving! 🧡

11/26/2024

We’re thankful for pet parents who care. If your pet faces an emergency, we’re here to help 24/7.

https://petsreferralcenter.com/contact/

11/25/2024

🌟 STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Kat Garcia
Radiology Technician

"I have been at PETS since June 2024 and work as a Radiology Technician.

I've been in vet med for 5 years now. Prior to coming to PETS, I worked with guide dogs and in internal medicine. I love working in specialty medicine because I am constantly learning more about disease processes and body functions as a whole.

I have always enjoyed working with animals. Each patient has a different personality and it is rewarding getting to know each of them personally. Before I began working in vet med, I managed a dog walking company in San Francisco and knew I wanted to go down a path of animal care.

I currently only have one pet. Kalani is a Pitbull-German Shorthaired Pointer mix and has been my sidekick since 2020. She was rescued from a neglect situation, and it took some time for her to come out of her shell. Now, she will become friends with anyone (especially if food is involved). If you let her, she would go running for hours.

Anyone who knows me knows I love being active and outside. I love playing soccer, going hiking with my friends and our dogs, rock climbing, doing yoga, and taking road trips. I also love a good audiobook and podcast.

I have also been volunteering at the Marine Mammal Center since 2019 with the pathology department."

11/22/2024

Planning to take your furry friend on a winter trip? Here's an important reminder!

Winter weather can be harsh on your pet’s paws, and frostbite or irritation can happen quickly. ❄️🐾

Act now to keep them safe:

- Equip Your Pet: Use booties or paw balm to shield their paws from ice and salt.

- Inspect Immediately: After walks, check for signs of damage or discomfort.

- Limit Exposure: Shorten outdoor time to prevent frostbite.

11/20/2024

In times of emergency, we're here when you need us most. Your pet’s health and safety are our top priorities. Reach out to us anytime for immediate care and support. 🐾

11/18/2024

🌟 STAFF SPOTLIGHT

JANICE HAYS-HOMEN, RVT
Surgery Technician

"I've been at PETS for about a year and a half. I have been in the field since 2008 (16 years). I became an RVT in 2010. Moved from gp to er and Specialty in 2018. Started working on my VTS in surgery. Next year, I will begin working on collecting cases again!

I wanted a career where I felt fulfilled, so I decided Vet medicine was my passion. I have always enjoyed Surgery, so it was a natural progression for me to start working on specializing.

My wife and I have many animals, including dogs, chickens, ducks, and rabbits.

Anubis (the black dog) is my hiking and backpacking buddy. He is the best trail companion I have ever had

Freya is my service dog. She lets me know when my blood sugar gets too low. She has her quirks but is a great partner for me.

I do a lot of backpacking and hiking. I also do a bit of urban homesteading, raising rabbits, chickens, and ducks.

I have two kids: a 22-year-old son named Luca and a 15-month-old daughter who is blind named Rowan."

11/15/2024

🍂 Fall is full of delicious foods, and while some are safe for your pet to enjoy, others can be dangerous.

Sugary pumpkin pie, garlic, onions, and raisins (often found in stuffing and baked goods) are toxic to dogs and can cause serious health issues. Cooked bones, commonly left over from roasts, can splinter and lead to internal injuries. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is harmful, and corn on the cob can cause blockages. Even spiced foods containing nutmeg or large amounts of cinnamon should be avoided.

Keep your furry friend safe this season by knowing which foods to keep off their plate! 🐾

If your pet gets into something they shouldn’t, call us right away for help! 📞🐶

https://petsreferralcenter.com/contact/

11/13/2024

As the nights get colder, it’s time to cozy up—but watch out for indoor hazards! 🔥

Space heaters, fireplaces, and more can be risky for curious pets 🐾.

Keep them safe this season; remember, we're here if you need us! 🩺❄️

Contact us if your pet needs urgent care: https://petsreferralcenter.com/contact/

11/08/2024

Emergencies can happen fast, but we're here for your pet whenever you need us! Our team provides emergency services around the clock to keep your furry friend safe and healthy.

🐾💙 Don’t wait—contact us immediately if your pet needs help: https://petsreferralcenter.com/contact/

11/06/2024

We’re dedicated to giving your pets the best possible care, including cancer treatment. From diagnostic tools to advanced treatments, we’re here to help every step of the way. If you notice any concerning signs, don’t hesitate to schedule a visit. 💙

Address

1048 University Avenue
Berkeley, CA
94710

Telephone

+15105486684

Website

https://www.petsreferralcenter.com/

Alerts

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Videos

We at PETS Referral Center would like to recognize all of our Technicians for the tremendous job they do saving lives every day! Thank you so much for your hard work and amazing compassion!

Wait times at The Emergency Vet Hospital

Have you wondered why wait times have increased at your local emergency room? Or why certain pets get seen before others? If so, please watch this informative video from one of our wonderful emergency vets, Dr. Marcus Dela Cruz. You can follow him on his other platforms here: beacons.ai/thefriendlyvet

Congratulations to Freddy the Celebrity! This adorable boy finished his Chemotherapy treatments this week after being diagnosed with Lymphoma last fall. His guardians were both here to celebrate with him. Be sure to watch till the end to see his disguise to ward off the Paparazzi!

Hooray for Rico! After 25 weeks of Chemotherapy, today was his last treatment! Our Oncology team, along with Dr. Kim Shaffer, took excellent care of this sweet boy! His guardian was excited to celebrate too! Way to go Rico! Our goal is to provide the best care possible to you and your pet, and to offer guidance during what is often a stressful time. Our initial appointments are 1-hour and include a complete physical exam by the doctor and in-depth discussion of your pet's cancer. We will discuss diagnostic tests that can be pursued to understand the extent and type of cancer, as well treatment options and what to expect. PETS Oncology sees patients Monday through Friday. Please call 510-548-6684 to schedule your pet's appointment.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!

Free support when it is needed most!

Concerns with how to best care for an older pet? Do you have questions about quality of life or end of life? PetHospice offers *free* support around these questions that every pet parent has. We are launching today - BE PART OF OUR JOURNEY AND LIKE US HERE: https://www.facebook.com/pethospicesupport/

Sep 9, 2013 5:30pm

Too adorable not to share! Remember Willow and her pups? Well, today they turn 1 year old!! Where has the time gone? We received this video of Chubs enjoying his first birthday... my favorite part: "It is your first birthday and you're turning 7!" This is pure happiness <3

Mug Shot Monday! Little Tyson has recovered from pneumonia, and he is telling us that he is quite ready to go home with his adorable little puppy 'temper tantrum' :)

58 seconds of puppy cuteness! We cannot believe how quickly they are growing! Can you help us come up with names for them? The cow-spotted-heart-on-the-head puppy is a boy, and the other two are his little sisters <3 Little heart head is getting quite the personality!

Willow's pups have just turned 4 weeks old and they are enjoying their first meal (and learning the art of sharing :)... how cute is that heart shape on the head?!! They reached a whoppin' 1.5 pounds <3

Tiny Willow continues to do wonderful and she is such an incredible mom! We captured the puppies first wobbly steps and just had to share! They are getting so big!

Tyson meets his new BFF!! This is a ridiculously adorable video of two unlikely friends that was sent to one of our employees. Her friend just adopted this new pet and it is hard to believe the instant connection between the two :). Watch the in-sync tails... my favorite part!!