At Montecito Animal Clinic, we’ve been caring for local dogs and cats since 1972. Our locally owned veterinary clinic serves Pleasant Hill, CA, Martinez, CA, Pacheco, and surrounding communities with down-to-earth veterinary medicine and straightforward answers. From wellness examinations and vaccinations to dentistry, diagnostics, and surgery, we believe good veterinary care should be practical, personal, and easy to understand. These frequently asked questions will help you get to know our clinic, prepare for your visit, and make informed decisions about your pet’s health.
New Clients and General Care
Where is Montecito Animal Clinic located?
We’re located at 2211 Morello Avenue, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, in the Pacheco area near Martinez. Our veterinary clinic welcomes dogs and cats from Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Pacheco, and surrounding communities near Mount Diablo. Although our mailing address says Pleasant Hill, we’re geographically in Pacheco, and our roots run deep in the Martinez community, where many of our staff members grew up and still live.
What are your veterinary clinic’s hours?
Our regular office hours are:
- Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Saturday: One Saturday per month, subject to availability
- Sunday: Closed
- Holidays: Closed
Saturday appointments are limited, so please call ahead to confirm availability. Our hours may also change around holidays or special circumstances.
How can I schedule an appointment?
To schedule an appointment, contact our veterinary team at 925-686-0683 or submit a request through our online appointment system.
If possible, send us your pet’s medical records and vaccination history in advance. This can be very helpful, as that information gives us insight into your pet’s veterinary care needs. Contact us if you have questions!
What makes Montecito Animal Clinic different from other veterinary clinics?
As a locally owned and operated animal clinic, we’ve been caring for the pets of the Pleasant Hill, CA community since 1972. We’ve stood the test of time because we provide modern veterinary medicine with a caring, personal touch. We actively listen to our clients and value honest conversations, straightforward recommendations, and relationships that last for generations. Some of our clients first visited us as children with their family pets. Now, they bring their own dogs and cats! We welcome individuals and families of all backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ clients, and want everyone to feel comfortable asking questions about their pet’s care.
Emergency and Urgent Care
What should I do if my pet needs urgent veterinary care?
If your dog or cat gets sick or injured during our regular office hours, call us at 925-686-0683 so we can assess the situation. We try to accommodate same-day appointments for emergencies, but we also handle all medical emergencies on a case-by-case basis. Depending on your pet’s condition and our availability, we may direct you to an emergency veterinary hospital.
Serious or life-threatening conditions require prompt emergency attention.
What symptoms mean my dog or cat needs emergency veterinary attention?
Certain symptoms can indicate a serious medical problem that requires immediate veterinary evaluation. Warning signs include:
- Sudden collapse or fainting
- Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding
- Repeated seizures or convulsions
- Choking or labored breathing
- Suspected poisoning or toxin ingestion
- A swollen, painful abdomen
- Straining without passing urine
- Serious wounds or traumatic injuries
- Persistent vomiting or bloody diarrhea
- Sudden inability to stand or walk
- Extreme weakness or unresponsiveness
- Signs of significant pain or distress
- Pale, blue, or gray gums
- Overheating or suspected heatstroke
- Suspected intestinal obstruction
- Serious eye injuries or sudden vision loss
If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact us immediately. If it’s after hours, contact an emergency veterinarian. Do not wait to see if the issue resolves: delaying treatment may make matters worse. Some medical emergencies progress rapidly, even when the initial signs seem relatively mild.
If you aren’t sure if your pet needs immediate care, err on the side of caution and call to ask. We’re here to help!
Where can I take my pet for emergency veterinary care after hours?
Our clinic is not a 24-hour emergency hospital. Several emergency and specialty veterinary facilities serve Pleasant Hill and Martinez. We generally refer people to the following:
- Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG): Pleasant Hill, CA
- SAGE Veterinary Centers: Concord, CA
- Pacific Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital: Lafayette, CA
- VCA Encina Veterinary Medical Center: Walnut Creek, CA
We recommend calling the emergency hospital before traveling whenever possible to confirm availability and obtain directions. Visit our emergency veterinary information page for more information.
Services and Medical Care
What veterinary services does Montecito Animal Clinic provide?
We offer a broad range of veterinary services for dogs and cats. These include wellness examinations, vaccinations, microchipping, allergy and dermatology evaluations, nutrition and weight management, dentistry, diagnostic testing, and general surgery. Our medical capabilities include in-house and off-site laboratory testing, digital X-rays, spays, neuters, dental cleanings, extractions, and basic surgical procedures. We also provide compassionate end-of-life care for pets nearing the end of their lives. You can learn more on our veterinary services page. Please feel free to contact us with questions or concerns about your pet’s specific needs.
Can your veterinarians help with pet allergies, itching, or skin problems?
Yes. We provide veterinary care for dogs and cats with allergies, itching, and other skin problems. We’ve helped our fair share of itchy pets! Contact us if your dog or cat is experiencing itching, irritated skin, hair loss, recurring ear problems, or other dermatological concerns.
Our pet allergy and dermatology services include examinations, appropriate diagnostic testing, and individualized treatment recommendations, and we collaborate with a licensed dermatologist for more complex cases. Persistent scratching, licking, or ear discomfort deserves attention, especially when your pet seems uncomfortable.
What dental services do you offer for dogs and cats?
Our veterinary dentistry services include oral examinations, professional dental cleanings, and tooth extractions when medically necessary. Dental disease can cause painful gums, infected teeth, difficulty eating, and other health concerns, even when pets continue behaving normally. During an examination, we assess your pet’s oral health and discuss whether a professional cleaning or additional treatment is appropriate. Regular dental evaluations help us identify problems before they become more painful or complicated.
What diagnostic testing is available at Montecito Animal Clinic?
Our veterinary diagnostic services include in-house laboratory testing, off-site laboratory analysis, and digital radiology (X-rays). These tools help us investigate symptoms, evaluate internal health, and make informed medical recommendations. We may recommend bloodwork, urine testing, other laboratory examinations, or diagnostic imaging based on your pet’s condition and medical history. Our goal is to provide clear explanations of the findings and practical guidance about the next steps.
Preventative Care and Ongoing Support
How often should my dog or cat have a veterinary wellness examination?
Most healthy adult dogs and cats benefit from a veterinary wellness examination at least once a year. Puppies, kittens, senior pets, and animals with ongoing medical conditions may need more frequent visits. During these appointments, we assess your pet’s overall health, review vaccinations and preventative care, discuss nutrition, and look for early signs of illness. Our pet wellness and vaccination services also include individualized preventative recommendations and, when appropriate, health screenings. Regular visits help us establish what’s normal for your pet, making subtle changes easier to recognize.
Does Montecito Animal Clinic offer a vaccine clinic for dogs and cats?
We do. Our vaccine clinic, which also includes nail trims, takes place on Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This drop-in service is offered for eligible existing clients. It is intended for healthy pets, and does not replace a comprehensive wellness examination.
Please review our vaccine clinic information and call before arriving to confirm eligibility, scheduling details, and availability.
Can you help with my pet’s nutrition and weight management?
Yes. We provide nutrition and weight management guidance for dogs and cats based on their age, health, activity level, and body condition. Excess weight can contribute to joint discomfort, reduced mobility, and other health problems, while unexplained weight loss may indicate an underlying medical concern. As part of our preventative pet wellness care, our veterinarians can assess your pet’s weight, discuss feeding habits, and recommend practical dietary adjustments or additional testing when appropriate.
What local hazards should pet owners in Pleasant Hill and Martinez, CA watch for?
Pets in the Pleasant Hill and Martinez areas may encounter seasonal hazards such as foxtails, ticks, toxic plants, hot pavement, and wildlife. Foxtail grass seeds are a particular concern in this area. These grass seeds have sharp, barbed awns that can become lodged in pets’ paws, ears, noses, or other areas. Parasites, such as ticks, may transmit diseases that can affect both pets and people.
Heat is another concern, particularly during warmer weather when dogs may overheat during hikes or walks near Mount Diablo. We recommend checking your pet after outdoor activities and contacting a veterinarian promptly if you notice anything amiss.
Do you provide compassionate end-of-life care for pets?
Yes. We provide euthanasia and end-of-life care for dogs and cats. We are here to provide compassionate, informed care and guidance when quality-of-life concerns make these conversations necessary.
We understand that these decisions are deeply personal and often very painful. We always take the time to answer your questions and help you make an informed choice. Our pet loss and bereavement resources may also be helpful to families navigating this difficult time.
Montecito Animal Clinic has cared for local pets and their people since 1972, combining practical veterinary medicine with the familiar feel of a neighborhood clinic. If you’re looking for a great veterinarian near me in Pleasant Hill or Martinez, CA, you’ve found us! We provide wellness care, vaccinations, dentistry, diagnostics, surgery, and ongoing medical care for dogs and cats. Call us at 925-686-0683 or contact our veterinary team to discuss your pet’s needs or schedule an appointment.
