Alta Vista Veterinary Clinic

The staff was wonderful...5 stars to them. Zero stars for this veterinarian. Why, you ask? I brought my 3-year-old dog here, about a year ago, for a bump that it appeared on her leg. I didn't know where it came from and thought maybe it was an infected nip from our other dog while playing. The bump started out very small and very quickly got very big and gross on our skinny little short-haired dog's leg. When we came in the staff was very nice and our dog was seen for an exam. The veterinarian's recommendation was a complete shock to me. I can only imagine she was operating from the assumption that it was a cancerous bump and her recommendation was either biopsy or amputation followed by biopsy. She strongly suggested going for amputation directly because it would be cheaper than doing two surgical procedures, one for the biopsy and another for amputation. I was in complete shock. I went for a second opinion and ended up doing a lumpectomy and biopsy, which came back negative for cancer. Fast forward lots of different specialist fees and tons of money for diagnosis... we learned that my dog had lymphoma. I won't go into all the details of her treatment at other places because the care she received at the other places was excellent, even though there was not a cure in her future. However, I would have been so horrified and guilty feeling, had I listened to this veterinarian's recommendation and amputated my poor dog's leg, only to find out later that would have been completely unnecessary and would have helped nothing whatsoever. I'm definitely glad I did not follow her recommendations and this veterinarian's "cut first ask questions later" mentality. If I had, my dog's quality of life would have been so horrible for her last year on this Earth. If any veterinarian recommends amputation first thing and you have any doubts whatsoever, please get a second opinion. I will never return to this vet or recommend anyone bring their beloved pet here.

Alta Vista Veterinary Clinic has cared for our cats and dogs for 30+ years. Dr. Alexa Budde is a great healer, and goes the extra mile for her clients. The staff is always capable, efficient, and friendly. And beyond medicine, Dr. Budde is a valued wise adviser when it's time for difficult decisions. Alta Vista is part of our family.

Poor customer service. I take my dogs to Groveway animal hospital, unfortunately they are closed today and my dog woke up with something bothering her ear. I called to ask if they by any chance had an appointment available for the same day, I was told they are booked until June, which I understood, I thanked the lady who answered the call and she just simply abruptly hung up. I work as a receptionist and I always ask they reason for the appointment before I just say there is nothing available, I give patients options, offer soonest appointments, put them on a wait list, refer them to another place where they can be seen sooner…

My sister brought her baby kitten to do the neutering surgery. After several bad experiences from other vets around Hayward, this is so far the best clinic when it comes to the customer service and affordability. We have been being treated badly and being charged overpriced countless time from other vets needless to say Alta Vista Veterinary Clinic will be our pets only go to from now on.

The clinic here overall is pretty typical, but there's a major problem with the vet assistant Carlos Zaizar that works here. He is frustrating to interact with and has shoddy service and communication skills. If you have to go here, avoid him.