Finding the right veterinarian is as nerve-wracking as finding the right pediatrician. A dog or cat is a huge presence in the life of its owner and while it's not the same as having a child, owners worry a lot about their adopted creatures. So a pet owner needs a vet with a good sense of customer service--one who's willing to explain what's going on with the pet, who's willing to educate the pet owner about the need for preventative care as well as emergency care, and who becomes familiar with the animal's medical history.
The vets at Gentle Doctor Animal Hospital fit the bill. I've been coming here for years after a friend recommended them. And the recommendation was spot on. Both Dr. Dawsey and Dr. Fujikawa have been great--both with my easygoing dog and my agitated cat. They take good care of the animals, explain all the procedures to the pet owner before doing anything and they are very gentle with the pets. They're willing to answer any questions you have and I have a lot of 'em (plenty of them being dumb). But they're always patient and understanding when I ask and ask and ask my "what if" questions.
Gentle Doctor Animal Hospital is a little more expensive than some of the other hospitals in town. That said, you are paying for vet staff that not only care about the animal's health, but understand you have a very personal connection to the animal as well. It's worth the extra cost to have a vet that gets it.