Veterinary FAQs for San Francisco Pet Owners
Below are the questions we hear most often from dog and cat owners across San Francisco. If you do not see your question answered here, call SF Vet Hospital at (415) 907-7576 and our team will help directly.
First Visit and New Clients
What should I bring to my first appointment at SF Vet Hospital?
Bring any prior health records and vaccination history you have, including notes from a shelter, breeder, or previous veterinarian. Bring a list of any current products your pet is on. To save time at check-in, complete our new client registration online before your visit. For any questions ahead of the appointment, call us at (415) 907-7576.
Do you see dogs and cats at SF Vet Hospital in San Francisco?
Yes. SF Vet Hospital cares for dogs and cats at every life stage, from puppies and kittens through senior pets. If you have a different species or have a question about whether we are the right fit for your pet, call us at (415) 907-7576.
Where is SF Vet Hospital located and is there parking available?
We are at 2001 Harrison Street in San Francisco's Mission District, close to Potrero Hill. Street parking is typical for the area, and we recommend allowing a few extra minutes during peak times. For current parking guidance, call us at (415) 907-7576 before your visit.
Appointments and Hours
How do I book an appointment at SF Vet Hospital?
You can book an appointment online through our appointment request system at https://sfvethospital.com or call us directly at (415) 907-7576. Our team confirms each request and follows up with details before your visit.
What are your hours?
SF Vet Hospital is open seven days a week. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Do you accept same-day or urgent care appointments?
Yes. We offer same-day urgent care & emergencies for dogs and cats during clinic hours, seven days a week. Our team sees both urgent and emergency cases during clinic hours. Call ahead at (415) 907-7576 when possible so our team can prepare for what your pet may need. For situations outside our open hours, we coordinate with our after-hours referral partner, Ocean Avenue Veterinary Hospital.
Our Services
What veterinary services does SF Vet Hospital offer?
Our three most-requested services are dental care, same-day urgent care & emergencies, and pet care services with a focus on senior and geriatric pets. We also offer medical services, surgical services, pet diagnostics, nutrition counseling, medical grooming services, end-of-life care, additional veterinary services, and pet travel services. For the full list and details, visit our Services page.
Can you help if my pet is having an urgent health issue?
Yes. SF Vet Hospital sees both urgent and emergency cases for dogs and cats during clinic hours. Call ahead or schedule an appointment at (415) 907-7576 to let us know you are coming. For overnight or critical issues outside our hours, our after-hours referral is Ocean Avenue Veterinary Hospital, open 24/7.
Does SF Vet Hospital offer dental care for dogs and cats?
Yes. Our dental care includes professional cleanings under monitored anesthesia, tooth extractions, oral health assessments, and full-mouth digital dental X-rays. Call us at (415) 907-7576 to schedule a dental visit.
Does SF Vet Hospital have an online store for pet products?
Yes. We offer an online store for veterinary products, refill requests, and approved foods, with delivery directly to your home. Visit our online store at https://sfvethospital.covetruspharmacy.com or call us at (415) 907-7576 if you need help getting set up.
Is SF Vet Hospital accredited or affiliated with any veterinary organizations?
Yes. SF Vet Hospital is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, and our visiting surgeon, Dr. Hani M. Korani, is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in Small Animal Surgery (DACVS-SA). Our owner, Dr. Rajvinder Gill, has an interest in geriatric pet care, soft tissue surgery, and complex medical cases.
Payment and Insurance
What payment methods does SF Vet Hospital accept?
We accept cash, debit cards, and all major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Payment is due at the time services are rendered. For full payment details, visit our payment options page.
Does SF Vet Hospital work with pet insurance?
Yes. We work with many major pet insurance providers, including Trupanion, Fetch, ASPCA Pet Insurance, Healthy Paws, Spot, Figo, Pets Best, Lemonade, 24PetWatch, and others. Direct billing is not available, but our team is happy to provide the documentation you need to file a claim.
Do you offer payment plans or financing?
Yes. We accept flexible financing options through third-party providers so you can spread out the cost of larger visits. Our team can walk you through what is available and how to apply at check-in or by phone at (415) 907-7576.
Do you provide an estimate before starting care?
Yes. SF Vet Hospital believes in transparent pricing and you will receive a clear estimate before any non-routine care begins. You can also review pricing information on our payment options page. For questions about specific services, call (415) 907-7576.
Preventive Care
How often should my pet have a wellness exam?
Most healthy adult dogs and cats benefit from an annual wellness exam at SF Vet Hospital in San Francisco. Puppies and kittens need a series of visits during their first year, and senior pets often benefit from twice-yearly checkups so subtle age-related changes are caught early. Call (415) 907-7576 to schedule.
What vaccines does my pet need in San Francisco?
Core vaccines for dogs include distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and rabies, with leptospirosis strongly recommended in the Bay Area. Core vaccines for cats include FVRCP and rabies, with feline leukemia recommended for cats with any outdoor access. Our team builds the full schedule around your pet's age, lifestyle, and risk factors at your first wellness visit.
How do I protect my pet from parasites in San Francisco?
San Francisco's mild climate keeps fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites active much of the year, so we recommend year-round prevention for most dogs and cats. Heartworm prevention is also recommended for dogs in California. Our team will build a parasite prevention plan tailored to your pet at your wellness visit.
After Hours and Emergencies
What should I do if my pet has an emergency outside your hours?
Do not delay. Go directly to our after-hours emergency referral partner, Ocean Avenue Veterinary Hospital, at 1001 Ocean Avenue in San Francisco, open 24/7. Their phone number is (415) 586-5327. Call ahead from the car when possible so their team can prepare.
What counts as a veterinary emergency?
Call us right away during open hours, or go to Ocean Avenue Veterinary Hospital after hours, if your pet shows any of the following: difficulty breathing, sudden collapse, seizures, suspected ingestion of a toxic substance, inability to urinate (especially in male cats), severe bleeding that does not stop with pressure, major trauma, or pale gums. We see both urgent and emergency cases during our clinic hours. For anything you are unsure about, call SF Vet Hospital at (415) 907-7576 and our team will help you decide.