Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Veterinarian in San Francisco for Comprehensive Pet Care
Balboa Pet Hospital has been a trusted veterinary care provider in San Francisco since 1948. Our hospital was founded on the principles of compassionate care, medical excellence, and community service. Over the decades, we have built a reputation for delivering personalized veterinary services to pets and their owners in the Outer Richmond neighborhood and surrounding areas. Our team of experienced veterinarians and support staff is dedicated to providing comprehensive medical, surgical, and dental care for dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, reptiles, and exotic pets. We prioritize preventive care, early disease detection, and individualized treatment plans tailored to each pet's unique needs. Our facility is equipped with modern diagnostic tools, including in-house laboratory testing and digital radiography, to ensure accurate and timely diagnoses.We also offer specialized services such as acupuncture, senior pet care, and boarding with veterinary supervision. Our commitment to transparency means we always discuss treatment costs and options with pet owners before proceeding. As an AAHA-accredited practice, we adhere to the highest standards of veterinary medicine and patient care. Our history of family ownership and community involvement reflects our dedication to maintaining the trust and satisfaction of our clients. We strive to create a welcoming, low-stress environment for both pets and their families, ensuring every visit is as comfortable as possible.
Services
Acupuncture
Boarding
Comprehensive Pet Exams
Dentistry
Diagnostics
Health Certificates
Preventive Exams
Senior Pet Care
Vaccinations
Details
- Year established: 1948
Highlights and features
- We have over 75 years of experience serving San Francisco pet owners.
- Our team offers comprehensive care for dogs, cats, and exotic pets.
- We provide individualized medical care plans tailored to each pet's needs.
- Our hospital is AAHA-accredited, ensuring the highest standards of care.
- We combine modern Western medicine with integrative therapies like acupuncture.
Associations and certifications
- AAHA
Services
Acupuncture
Acupuncture combines traditional Chinese veterinary medicine with modern Western practices to treat chronic conditions like arthritis, allergies, and neurological disorders. Our certified practitioners use techniques such as dry needling and electrostimulation to promote natural healing and pain relief. This service is ideal for pets requiring long-term care or those with conditions unresponsive to conventional treatments.
Boarding
Our veterinarian-supervised boarding facility provides a safe, comfortable environment for pets needing overnight or day care. Services include individual playtime, nutritionally balanced meals, and medical monitoring. We accommodate dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and exotic pets, with limited grooming options available. Reservations require prior health checks and vaccinations to ensure all guests' safety.
Dentistry
We offer comprehensive dental services including exams, cleanings, and treatments for periodontal disease. Our protocols emphasize anesthesia-based cleanings to ensure thorough subgingival care, supported by digital X-rays for diagnosing hidden issues. Preventive education helps owners maintain their pets' oral health at home, reducing risks of systemic infections linked to dental disease.
Diagnostics
Our in-house laboratory provides rapid blood work, urinalysis, and cytology results to support timely diagnoses. Advanced imaging like digital radiography and ultrasound enables detailed internal assessments. These tools help detect conditions ranging from infections to organ dysfunction, guiding effective treatment plans for both acute and chronic illnesses.
Senior Pet Care
Specialized care for aging pets includes early disease detection, pain management, and lifestyle adjustments. We address common senior issues like arthritis, kidney disease, and cognitive decline through tailored wellness programs. Regular check-ups and diagnostic screenings help maintain quality of life, with options for hospice care when needed.
Questions
What services does Balboa Pet Hospital offer?
We provide comprehensive veterinary care including exams, vaccinations, dentistry, diagnostics, acupuncture, senior pet care, and boarding for dogs, cats, and exotic pets.
Are you open on weekends?
Yes, we are open Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The hospital is closed on Sundays.
Do you offer emergency services?
We handle urgent care cases during regular business hours. For after-hours emergencies, we recommend contacting a 24/7 specialty clinic.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Call us at (415) 752-3300 or use our online request form. Confirmations are required for all bookings, including boarding reservations.
Is your boarding facility suitable for pets with medical needs?
Yes, our boarding includes veterinary supervision for pets on medication or requiring special monitoring. Please discuss your pet's needs with our staff before booking.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit cards, cash, and checks. Payment is due at the time of service, with options for financing discussed upon request.
Reviews (4)
Barbra V.
Jun 18, 2022
Report
This is NOT the same Balboa hospital I have patronized for 3 decades. As the result of a corporate buyout (Blue River) their protocol and priorities have changed for the worse. Their bottom line is their only priority. Their patients and clients are just fodder for profit and exploitation. When this "buyout" took place I was never informed of the dramatic changes in staff and procedures I had grown to rely on for years. Costs have skyrocketed and follow up care and concern are non existent.
If you look at the of the staff photo which appears on their website only Dr. Del Rosso remains. She has always been great but is now forced to adhere to new corporate procedures which, in my opinion, amount to ethical violations of veterinary care. Do your research. It a veterinary hospital falls under the Blue River umbrella, I would suggest that you keep looking.
If you look at the of the staff photo which appears on their website only Dr. Del Rosso remains. She has always been great but is now forced to adhere to new corporate procedures which, in my opinion, amount to ethical violations of veterinary care. Do your research. It a veterinary hospital falls under the Blue River umbrella, I would suggest that you keep looking.
Chris W.
May 19, 2022
Report
Avoid this place for serious medical issues. Our corgi had a lump, which was misdiagnosed by Balboa Pet Hospital as something minor. We trusted their word and proceeded as if nothing was wrong. Turns out, it was something much more serious. Fatal in fact. Find a place you can actually trust to take care of your dog.
Eric L.
Apr 30, 2022
Report
This vet is completely driven by greed and does not care at all about the well being of your pet. Not only are they the priciest vet in SF but they refused to give me a prescription for antibiotics for my 11year old cat who they have been seeing for her entire life! I have spent thousands upon thousands of dollars with this vet over the course of 11 years ( Dr. Starfinder Stanley) and she had a life threatening tooth infection and he refused to see her or write a prescription for antibio tics.
He was rude and condescending and said he had been working long days and couldn't help me! This is just totally unacceptable and I only wish that that the many thousands of dollars I spent with this greedy jerk would have gone to a doctor who has a soul.
He was rude and condescending and said he had been working long days and couldn't help me! This is just totally unacceptable and I only wish that that the many thousands of dollars I spent with this greedy jerk would have gone to a doctor who has a soul.
David G.
Apr 12, 2022
Report
I have been taking my babies here for over a decade and have nothing but rave reviews for the Doctors and Staff. Dr Del Rosso ( aka Dr D) is an amazing amazing person and Doctor. My pets love her and her crew. Super competent. Super compassionate. They are busy.and for good reason
