Pet Care Services for Dogs and Cats in San Francisco
Keeping your dog or cat well starts long before something feels wrong. Wellness exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and senior screening catch small changes early when they are easiest to manage and add real years to your pet's life. SF Vet Hospital offers comprehensive pet care for dogs and cats in San Francisco's Mission District, open seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. same-day urgent care & emergencies are available during open hours.
Wellness Exams in San Francisco
An annual wellness exam is the foundation of every other care decision your veterinarian makes for your pet. Our team performs a nose-to-tail physical assessment, evaluates body condition score, listens to the heart and lungs, checks the eyes, ears, and oral health, and reviews any behavior changes you have noticed at home. For most healthy adult dogs and cats, annual exams are appropriate; senior pets benefit from twice-yearly visits, which align with current AAHA wellness guidance for catching age-related shifts before symptoms appear.
What Your Pet's First Visit Covers
New patient visits include a complete physical exam, baseline blood work where appropriate, a fecal screening, and a detailed conversation about your pet's history. We review what you are feeding, current parasite prevention, vaccine status, and any concerns specific to your pet's breed and lifestyle in San Francisco.
Vaccinations for Dogs and Cats
Parasite Prevention and Microchipping
San Francisco's mild marine climate keeps fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites active for most of the year. We recommend year-round flea and tick prevention for dogs and cats, plus heartworm prevention for dogs that travel out of the immediate Bay Area. Microchipping is a quick one-time service that gives your pet a permanent identifier readable by any veterinary clinic or shelter. Pair the chip with current registration details and your dog or cat has a real chance of getting home if they ever slip a leash or jump a fence.
Senior and Geriatric Pet Care in San Francisco
Cats are generally considered senior around age 11, dogs by age 7, and at this stage the small signs of slowing down often turn out to be early signals of manageable conditions: joint discomfort, kidney shifts, dental disease, or thyroid changes. Dr. Rajvinder Gill, the owner and lead veterinarian at SF Vet Hospital, has an interest in geriatric pet care and complex medical case management.
Senior Wellness Screening
Senior wellness visits pair the standard physical exam with blood work, urinalysis, and blood pressure measurement designed to surface age-related changes early. Many older pets feel noticeably better within weeks of a tailored care plan, often with simple adjustments to diet, mobility support, and at-home routine.
Mobility and Cognitive Support
Joint comfort and cognitive support are two of the most underused tools for keeping senior dogs and cats active and engaged. Our team builds joint care plans around your pet’s specific needs and discusses environmental adjustments that often help cognitive aging at home.
Preventive Care Throughout Your Pet's Life
Explore More
How often should my dog or cat have a wellness exam?
Most healthy adult dogs and cats benefit from an annual wellness exam. Puppies and kittens need a series of visits during their first year, and senior pets often benefit from twice-yearly checkups so subtle changes are caught early. Call (415) 907-7576 to schedule.
At what age is a pet considered a senior?
Cats are generally considered seniors at age 11, and dogs at age 7, although large-breed dogs reach senior status earlier. Once your pet enters the senior life stage, twice-yearly exams and baseline blood work help catch age-related shifts before symptoms appear.
Why is the leptospirosis vaccine recommended in San Francisco?
Leptospirosis cases have risen across the Bay Area, particularly after wet winters. The bacteria spread through wildlife urine in puddles and muddy areas. Dogs that visit any local park with standing water or who drink from puddles are exposed, which is why we include lepto in our standard San Francisco recommendation.
Do indoor cats really need vaccinations?
Yes. Indoor cats still benefit from core vaccines because viruses can travel into the home on shoes, clothing, or visiting pets. Rabies vaccination is also required by California state law for cats regardless of indoor or outdoor lifestyle.
What does a senior pet wellness visit include?
Senior wellness visits pair a full physical exam with blood work, urinalysis, and blood pressure measurement, plus a detailed conversation about behavior, mobility, and appetite changes you have noticed at home. The goal is to catch age-related conditions early when they are easiest to manage.
Book your dog or cat's wellness visit at SF Vet Hospital in San Francisco's Mission District. Schedule online through our appointment request system, or call (415) 907-7576. Open seven days a week, with twice-yearly senior checkups available.