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Abbey Pet Hospital Our veterinary team at Abbey Pet Hospital is committed to keeping your pets healthy. Dr. Judd and associates work hard to ensure that your pets get the care they need to stay happy and healthy throughout their lives. We offer a wide variety of surgical, medical, and dental procedures and treat most illnesses and injuries. Our goal is to help pets live longer, healthier, and happier lives.

We do this by maintaining an exceptional team of veterinarians and support staff that consistently provide high-quality medical care for pets and outstanding client education.
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Abbey Pet Hospital has been an independent, locally-owned business since it was founded in 1958 by Dr. Linton. Before Dr. Linton, the business was run as a pet grooming salon. Abbey Pet Hospital moved to its present location in the 1970s when Dr. Linton needed more space. In 1983, Dr. Lee Prutton purchased Abbey Pet Hospital; he then built the practice from a small one-doctor operation into a three-doctor hospital and boarding facility. Our four-doctor practice is big enough to provide a range of services but small enough to offer personalized care.
We're eager to get to know you and hope that you will take the time to browse down and learn more about our wonderful veterinarian staff. Dr. Matt Judd joined Abbey Pet Hospital in 2011 and became the business owner in 2016 after the beloved Dr. Lee Prutton retired. After graduating from Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007, Dr. Judd began his veterinary career working in Placerville, CA.
We appreciate that you've decided to join the Abbey Pet Hospital family, and we're delighted you picked us as your El Cerrito, CA, veterinarian hospital. Your kind words and comments are important to us in our efforts to provide exceptional service to you and your pet. Dr. Gretel Schlegel is the only vet I bring my cats to.
The Milo Foundation is an established 501(c)(3) non-profit, no-kill rescue organization providing a second chance for homeless pets. We rescue dogs and cats from high-kill animal shelters and adopt them to loving homes best suited to provide lifetime care. We offer sanctuary to those pets that are not ready for adoption and educate the public about responsible pet guardianship, including SPAYING AND NEUTERING, here at Abbey Pet Hospital!
Reviews (26)
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CatBat B.
Jun 18, 2022
Dr. Gretal R. Schlegel has been reported to the Vet Board for malpractice. She is queued for investigation.
Edie B.
Jun 18, 2022
Abbey took excellent care of our little rescue Chihuahua-he needed a dental cleaning and had 6 teeth pulled. I felt Dr. Schlegel spent a lot of time with me, answered all my questions, and asked me questions from the last time he was in. Every one of the staff I've had contact with has truly seemed to care about the animals, and not try to traumatize them any further than they already are, cause they're at the vet! Their system works well with pulling into the parking lot and texting them. Everyone has been helpful and friendly.
T. C.
Jun 04, 2022
I've been utilizing Abbey Pet Hospital since 1995, when we first adopted a kitten from the business next door. Nermal was a bit of a hand full and my first visit with Dr. Judd convinced me that this vet office was the place for me. Since then, four of our other cats have been patients. Each one has had a stellar experience. What I like most about Abbey Pet Hospital is that the customer service has been great with every vet who has seen my felines!

They all take the time and effort to evaluate my pets, and I never feel rushed. I even had one vet, Dr. Kim, solve a situation that was affecting ME! She was able to figure out a cascading set of situations that led to a mite problem on my cat--that were biting me as well! This took a level of due diligence that impresses me to this day. I just can't say nice enough things about this establishment. I believe that my loyalty for over twenty years speaks for itself!
Karen N.
May 30, 2022
We've been coming to Abbey for over 10 years and consistently had great experiences. The vets are knowledgeable, as well as personable and caring. We've seen Dr. Judd, Dr. Schlegel and Dr. Kim during the last two years and all three are top flight. In fact, I've found the whole team from the front desk to the vets easy to communicate with. Additionally the vets provide written and clear instructions, if needed.
Devonya Batiste
May 22, 2022
Absolutely love this place. I moved to the area a little over a year ago so we had to find a new vet. They've been nothing but kind and super attentive to Lovecraft (our cat) and Guinness (our dog).
Anthony Washington
Apr 07, 2022
The people are very nice and attentive. Costs alot but it's tots worth it
Vincent Abad-Santos
Mar 26, 2022
The best in the biz hands down. Amazing staff and you're not overcharged like places in Berkeley Oakland or SF. I am never taking my dog anywhere else.
Jiang Jessica
Mar 04, 2022
It would help if you guys honestly took your pets to this hospital. It is not about earning money for them. The pet puppies before money. They genuinely care about your animal. They keep the cost low. They value the lives of being. Not down value the life of the animal.
Lucy
Feb 13, 2022
Abbey Pet in El Cerrito has been taking care of my furry family members for at least 18 years. They have always provided excellent care and recommendations and the people there are friendly, helpful and professional. I was also impressed with the speed and (what seemed like but probably wasn't) effortless transition to the curbside service when the pandemic hit.

I'm writing this review because, about a week after they learned that my cat (and a longtime patient of theirs) had passed away, I received the nicest card with handwritten sympathy notes from each of the staff members in the mail. Their understanding of the difficulty of the loss of a beloved pet friend and the compassion that they showed was, to me, above and beyond what I expected. Thank you for taking such good care of my animal loved ones over the years, and I look forward to many more.
Aditya V.
Feb 08, 2022
Quite possibly the best place to take your pet. The staff is thoughtful and caring and we never have any issues. I couldn't ask anymore from such a fine establishment.
Len W.
Nov 13, 2021
One of the absolute best in the area. The vets are top notch, the staff are wonderfully pet friendly, not to mention extremely skilled at handling and befriending the animals, and it's just plain very difficult to find anything about them to criticize.
Fahi Badu
Oct 12, 2021
I love Abbey Pet Hospital for my cat Joey. My cat has been suffering from an infection in his paws for a long time and before I found this wonderful hospital I took him to another pet hospital in the city which I was very disappointed with their treatment. Dr. Jennie Kim is the best and was especially nice and did not rush us through and really helped with the treatment. Thanks to Dr. Kim my cat is fully recovered and such a happy boy.
May M.
Oct 09, 2021
I have been bringing my pets to abbey since 2013. I had my first recuse dog meme and brought her there. I live in San Francisco but It's worth the commute! Dr. Judd, Dr. Schagel, Dr. Kim are wonderful vets. I trust them with my recent rescue Lulu to meet my dogs needs! Thank you
Makena G.
Sep 24, 2021
Had a good experience. Organized facility. I had my dogs glands expressed, a check up and several services. I will have neutering done here. I adopted my dog from the Milo Foundation. No issues. Prices were normal. Dr. Hitchcock came out to my car and spoke to me regarding the results. Liked the communication.
Cassandra D.
Jun 15, 2021
I was formerly a happy customer at Abbey Pet Hospital, however once the COVID-19 pandemic was in remission, I called them repeatedly to try to schedule a face-to-face veterinarian appointment, instead of drop-off services only. They are still not offering face-to-face visits as of today, June 13, 2021. I feel it's traumatizing for a cat to be handed to strangers, who then give him three shots, then stuff him back in a box and bring him to his owner. Also, I like having the opportunity to ask the veterinarian a few questions.

Since this better kind of service is not yet being offered at Abbey, even with masks, I got an appointment at El Cerrito veterinarian and called Abbey Pet Clinic to request that they transfer my cat's records to El Cerrito veterinarian. As soon as the woman on the phone heard my request to send records, she put me on hold for a suspiciously long period of time, about 10 minutes, which I suspect had to do with her disinterest in performing a service for someone that was not going to make any money for the vet clinic.

I was finally able to give them my cat's info, and the El Cerrito vets email address, after being on hold for 10 minutes. I hope they do actually send the records as requested. I'm just looking for some common professionalism here.
Jasmine H.
Jun 10, 2021
Expensive yes but they give you the costs upfront before ya pay. It was worth it. Dr. Gretel Schlegel figured right away my cat Beemer is diabetic. I thought she had arthritis in her back legs. Got her on insulin and the right food right away. She's doing great now. We email Dr. Schlegel every 7 to 10 days to let her know how Beemers blood sugars are.

So she can adjust her insulin. My aunt also takes her kitty Reina here and is on thyroid meds. This vet really cares about our furbabies and I would highly recommend them. They also have a pet hotel next to them
Amanda B.
May 15, 2021
The staff at Abbey is the sweetest. We had to bring our sweet old man cat, Frankie B The Ultimate G, in because he was not himself. Unfortunately, he lost mobility and we had to make the extremely hard decision to say goodbye to our beloved fur baby of 13+ years. They allowed us plenty of time to say goodbye and get him comfortable. I appreciate every single one of them. Thank you Abbey Pet Hospital for all of your compassion.
Stella H.
May 12, 2021
My husband and I have been using Abbey Pet Hospital for the last 10 years for the care of our cats (5 cats, then 4, and now 2). During that time, I have taken them to Abbey for annual care, as well have worked with them in treating the cats for multiple moderate/serious medical issues, and surgery and dental cleanings. Recently, Abbey helped us through the treatment of my cat who had a brain tumor at the exact same time as the eldest cat who unexpectedly declined and died.

This is to say that our experience with Abbey Pet Hospital has been extensive over the past decade and I speak with confidence in saying I fully recommend their business. Dr. Judd and staff have always given my cats their full attention and upmost care, as well as giving us, the pet owners, the attention we need to make sense of what is going on and to make informed decisions. Veterinary science is tough and often inexact, but Abbey Pet Hospital has always tried to help us understand our options while being realistic to the situation.

My husband and I have always appreciated Dr. Judd's candor (and laugh!) and his viewpoint of what he would do if it was his pet. We have seen ER vets who tell us we can do biopsies and chemo to elder cats and test after test that will not truly answer the question and they will hoist all that information on you and turn around to say it's all up to you to decide, they can't help there.

Which is true that it's our decision, but they provide no rationale context to help inform what we should do, what the most prudent and pain-free course of action is. Dr. Judd leaves it as our decision, of course, but he works through the options and answers us when we ask what he would do for his pet. That is the expertise that I am looking for. Recently, Abbey helped us through the difficult period of having two cats dying at the same time.

They spoke with us at length, fit them into appointments and were truly compassionate and sensitive when one passed on their own and the other needed to be put to sleep. I am forever thankful to them for getting us through such a difficult period. And it's not just Dr. Judd - it's the entire staff who have filled the prescriptions, managed our account, seen our cats at each appointment and who all signed the sympathy cards. Truly a great group of people and I fully recommend their services.
Juan V.
Feb 23, 2021
I've been taking all my dogs to abbey pet hospital for years, they have always treated all my dogs with great care and love. Since covid has happened, abbey pet has been able to continue to give great care and services to all customers. Their setup is easy and just as great as if covid hasn't happend. The staff remains kind and courteous and careful to follow covid restrictions. I've never had a bad or uncomfortable visit as well as my dogs.

The Doctors are all very caring and make sure you know what's going with your dog/cat. Im very pleased with abbey pet hospital and will continue to go here. Thank you abbey pet hospital Doctors and staff.
Linda B.
Feb 22, 2021
I have a new rat terrier puppy. I have trusted Abbey Pet Hospital with her care. She has had three appointments for puppy wellness checks and just completed her puppy and rabies shots. Dr. Judd has taken care of my dogs in a very caring and professional manner. All the staff, from receptionists, Margaret and Mytecia (forgive spelling) and office manager, technicians make you feel like family. So I am grateful to be able to have such a great place to take my new puppy.
Chris M.
Feb 21, 2021
I would like to personally thank Dr. Kim & the entire supporting staff for the care, compassion & professionalism I received as a client. My dog was Sunny, he was a patient at Abby Pet Hospital for ten years until his recent passing. During our visits we/he was greeted by a friendly staff and seen by the vet promply upon arrival. Sunny was always excited and playful during each visit & was provided the best care possible to help him live a long healthy life.

After he passed away Dr. Kim & the entire supporting staff sent me a signed card offering thier condolenses. The gesture was sincere and heartfelt, words can't express the gratitude I feel from their thoughtfulness. I am forever grateful to have had a skilled, dedicated & compassionate vet hospital to help me care for my beloved Sunny. Thank you so much for everything, you are truly the best in my book. It was a pleasure and privilege for me and Sunny.
Nancy M.
Dec 06, 2020
My girl has go's to Abbey's hospital. The staff and the vets make sure your pets dogs cats are taken care. I been going for the pasted 7years I'm never been disappointed. The staff is outstanding and excellent with the clients and the pets give. If I could give a. The only thing The prices keep going up as the only thing in for my visit her in at six income it's a little difficult but I have found any place else to treat my pets and I love respect and kindness
Angela S.
Jun 24, 2020
Recently I took my friend to Abbey Pet to pick up some food for her cats. The girl who came out was Margaret ( receptionist) I remembered her with fond memories. I had't been there since 2017 when two of my cats passed within 4 months apart. And previous (10 years earlier) I lost my little chihuahua who was 14. Our pets are our family members and oh so precious to us.

During my visits Margaret was ALWAYS so sweet and patient, those times when your stressed out about your pet. She always made me feel very comfortable. I recommend bringing your pet here if needed Dr. Judd is amazing, takes time with you and explains in detail what may be happening with your pet.
John M.
Dec 28, 2019
I'm really confused about the negative reviews. I've always gotten great treatment for my cats here from Dr. Schlegel, Judd and Kim. I started going here because I had been going to Claremont in Oakland, but it was just too far. This place is easily accessible, reasonably priced and the vets and front desk always reply promptly to emailed questions. I'm lucky I didn't listen to the negativity.

The place is not perfect -- there was an assistant I wasn't thrilled about -- but they let me mark it down that I didn't want him anymore in the future. With that said, it's the best vet I've worked with in the East Bay and I really appreciate how they care for my two cats.
Omar M.
Jan 11, 2019
I'm surprised this place has some bad reviews, I think people are mistaken with service and quality healthcare for your pets. I been taking my German shepherd here for the past 8 years. The first time I ever taken him to Abbey's is when he was diagnosed with the parvo virus, but Dr. Judd and his team helped me saved him. Ever since that day I been taking him to make sure he gets the care he needs and trust me my dog is no angel in trying to stay injured free. Honestly, my dog has probably live this long because of the quality of healthcare they provide.

I really don't mind if I have to wait and extra 30 minutes because they are busy as long my dog gets the care he needs I'm fine with that. I been to real hospitals with chronic pain and I still had to wait for the doctors to show up. Life gets busy and not everyone can attend to your needs right away. This is place is works for me.
Mirko Yovanovich
Jan 17, 2018
They have been taking very good care of my kitties. I've had a lot of emergencies with my challenging (risk-taking) 2 year old female cat. She's already had one surgery (dog bit) and is scheduled for another procedure on Monday. They are incredibly responsive, caring and professional!