Dr. Kim literally saved our bulldog. She was so skinny, couldn't walk and had allergies that no one could figure out. We thought we'd have to put her down. But we took her to Dr. Kim as recommended by a friend and after a few months, she was like a puppy again. Running around and acting goofy again. The only thing we still can't figure out is her allergies but he has it managed to the point where she's comfortable. She still stinks though but that's just how she is lol Dr. Kim really cares so much about his patients. I was going to post this years ago... but I guess I didn't complete the post. It's a good thing I didn't. A few years have passed and now we bring our other dog too. Dr. Kim and his wife, Young are wonderful and we love going to them. You will too! read more

Kind and experienced Dr. Kim and Mrs. Kim have always helped our cats stay healthy and happy! They are a wonderful team.

After going off trail at Miller Knox my dog Shade got a foxtail in her ear, turns out both ears :( It was literally 4:59 pm on a Friday so I ran her into this veterinarians office I noticed as I was frantically driving by. They let me in the door at 5:01 pm for which I was very grateful. So, I'm not brave enough to hold my dog down as the man removed the foxtail from her ear, she was screaming & crying loudly so I had to leave & go around the block while my friend stayed with her b/c I just couldn't handle her pain. They tried to do the procedure while she was awake but it turns out they had to put her under. She did not handle the medication they put her under with very well, so I appreciate them trying not to use it even though it traumatized me to hear her in so much pain. After 45 min my friend was able to drive her home to me. She was bugging out in the car acting like a mad animal until I got her into my arms at home on the couch. My roommate at the time was a good friend and a trained veterinarian & she was home when we arrived & said everything was normal & Shade seemed to be doing good. All in all it was a positive experience: they removed a foxtail from each ear which they gave to me afterwards, one was causing an infection. The place is run by an old adorable asian couple & they were nice to me, did not charge me emergency vet fees(the other places I called wanted to) & they got the job done. It cost around $700 but it's totally worth it to have my happy healthy doggette by my side. read more

Hillview Pet Hospital - Shade the dog 3 - Veterinarians Near Me - Albany, California

Hillview Pet Hospital is a two person operation, small and old school. Mrs. Kim runs the front office and assists Dr. Kim as needed. They were recommended to me by Rachel at Dog's Best Friend when I was looking to have Clara spayed. I had looked into low cost neutering at Berkeley Humane and at ARF, but neither would have been available until January at the earliest and we didn't want to wait. I had checked the prices at Richmond Veterinary Hospital and at All Creatures and both were $1,000 or more. Richmond Veterinary Hospital has been our vet since the mid 80s, but since Dr. Han retired I don't feel as connected and their prices feel higher. I called Hillview and then we had the PG&E power outage in October and they couldn't call me back so I stopped in w/ Clara and spoke w/ Mrs. Kim, who was very sweet. She gave me a quote of $650 for the procedure and I made an appointment for the following week. They have their own parking lot, which is very convenient to get in and out of. I dropped Clara off in the morning and picked her up later that afternoon. They also gave her a rabies shot, which was needed. Mrs. Kim warned me she would be lethargic for a few days and she was. Almost 6 years is old for a dog to be spayed. I appreciated the warning because I would have been worried otherwise. They sent her home w/ pills (antibiotics, maybe) but no cone of shame. Clara wasn't particularly hungry for a couple of days, but gradually her appetite returned, as did her energy. Dr. Kim saw her a week later at no charge to check on her. Mrs. Kim put a soft muzzle on her to be sure she wouldn't snap. That surprised me, but Emily used to snap at Dr. Cucuel, who was her vet before Dr. Han, so it makes sense to be cautious w/ a dog you don't know and who doesn't know you. She returned the following week to have her stitches out and that visit cost $49. She will get the rest of her shots in January. When I dropped her off today at Dog's Best Friend to be groomed I thanked Rachel for the recommendation. She commented that Dr. Kim was the next best thing to Dr. Han and I agree. read more

I have been taking my pup here after feeling that my other vet could not find a positive remedy for my dogs itchy butt. Dr. Kim was able to give a steroid shot that would help with the itchy butt. He also said that it is all diet based and it would take over 8 months for it to clear up. The steroid shot helped my dog to stop itching, but unfortunately she will need it every month. My only con is why he wont allow allow us to give the shot ourselves since it will be a life long issue. Like Dr. Kim, but want him to consider this. read more

Even though some people say "rude" or "unfriendly", I can't believe it because it was very nice and pleasant experience for us. Dr. Kim and Ms. Kim were so welcoming. They are smiling all the time! Yes, I agreed that we had some difficult time to understand what he said but it was OK level not that bad. Our dog had some skin problems. Dr. Kim explained well, did not give us any pressure, showed some options and let us choose whatever we feel comfortable. I am not sure if it is very cheap but a visit was $45 and 2 anti-allergy shots were $55. We will definitely go back! read more

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We just had our visit with Dr. and Mrs. Kim and we have definitely found our dog's new vet. Even though they are currently only open on Thursdays, they were able to squeeze us in within a week of calling for an appointment. The visit was perfect from start to finish, we got all the care we needed (check up, vaccines, deworming, and even a nail trim), and both Dr. and Mrs. Kim are lovely, kind people. We are 100% satisfied. read more

I live in Brentwood and used to take my passed bulldogs here for all their checkups and emergency issues. After couple of years, a kitty showed up at our house and hoping to find vet nearby. There were some nicely reviewed high-tech pet hospitals by my neighborhood but I'm glad they are either closed or have a long wait time for new clients. Even though they only open every Thursday part time hrs, I was able to get an appointment to take my kitty for vaccination and checkup right away like the next week. The visit was easy as always. Highly recommend it! read more

Dr. Kim and Mrs. Kim are the most compassionate, thorough, and fair vet clinic I have ever had care for our cats. They have, on multiple occasions, gone above and beyond caring for our pets. Our girl had Unknown Fever Virus and they kept her in clinic for a week to get her on the up and up. They saved her life, and were incredibly fair with pricing- I could have easily seen paying double elsewhere for the level of care she received. This small, two person team may not have all the bells and whistles of a traditional veterinary office, but the care, kindness, and knowledge Dr. Kim and Mrs. Kim bring to the table is incomparable. It's disappointing to see the few negative reviews- while it may be difficult to get ahold of them immediately, it is absolutely understandable, considering it's just the two of them. They've always made time for emergencies for us. All it's takes to understand Dr. Kim's accent is a bit of listening and patience. I can't recommend this clinic enough, even since moving to Sausalito, we still continue the journey to Oakland for their care. Thanks so much, Dr. and Mrs. Kim! We appreciate you! read more

I came here because my normal Vet had left for the day and after calling around there were no vets around that were available to see us at such short notice. My dog had eaten something that was giving him stomach problems and resulting in diarrhea all day long. He wasn't eating and acting like his normal hyper self so I had to get him to a Vet ASAP. I've lived in El Cerrito majority of my life and have noticed this Pet Hospital before. It's right across the street from the Taco Bell and Pho Ao Sen (formerly sizzlers). Upon entering, there is a bell to ring and the receptionist, who is also the wife of the Dr. came to greet me. I filled out a form with some basic info and we were ready to see the Dr. in 10 minutes. Dr. Kim was very helpful and professional. He gave my dog a shot and prescribed some Meds. The visit cost me $200 ($50 for the visit and the rest was medicine, the shot and some special diet food). Afterwards I chatted with the Dr. and his wife for a good 20 minutes since they are both locals. They are very friendly and professional. I would visit Dr. Kim again. read more

Dr. KIm is great! This gentle, modest, knowledgeable vet and his wife, who assists, discovered and treated deep ear infections other vets had missed. After putting our dog under to do deep cleaning of ears and teeth, he taught us how to do thorough outer ear cleaning, treat with topical and internal antibiotics, and clip the ear area. Weeks of this treatment at home twice a day have improved things enough that we're down to once a day. We can see the difference in our beloved companion's energy level, too. The offices are modest but clean, and have plenty of parking around back. We've always been ale to get an appointment as needed. Prices are more affordable than many other local vets. Our dog wags his tail when he sees Mrs. Kim when we enter. You can tell they both care deeply for animals. There may not be a receptionist to answer calls while they're both treating a patient, but the focus is on the animal instead of the business. What a wonderful team and community resource! read more

Needed a new local vet and this place had pretty much the best reviews albeit expensive, but it's a hospital. The owners instantly treat you like family and follow up post-treatment to make sure all is well. Gave me a bag of pill samples for my cat who was NOT liking the first type of oral antibiotics for a gum infection and lots of advice for how to feed them to her. Lovely people and I would recommend if in El Cerrito. read more

I don't take my pets to Hillview Pet Hospital anymore, because I live well into Oakland and their office is too far to travel, (never mind with a sick animal or a screeching cat,) but Dr. Kim was my vet for numerous animals 1995-2001 and I found him to be very kind and accommodating. For the first five years of that period I lived on a boat at the Berkeley Marina and since people have a disgusting practice of "dumping" animals at the marina, during that time I rescued approximately 20 animals--all but one were dogs. Some of them required veterinary care, and Dr. Kim always gave me a discount since he knew me and knew the animals were not my pets. He was very skilled and compassionate as he handled these very stressed out critters. The animals, even when they were feeling ill, seemed to know Dr. Kim was on their side. In 1995-2001, I also took my own pets to Dr. Kim. I had two cats and three dogs during that time. Dr. Kim was wonderful to me and my animals, and Mrs. Kim, who runs the administrative side of the business, was also compassionate and very skilled at assisting Dr. Kim. Hillview Pet Hospital is definitely not a fancy vet office. It feels homey, comfortable, and, honestly, a bit well-worn. I don't need a fancy vet office, though--at least for regular veterinary care. I know where to go for specialists and emergencies--and if possible I would rather not pay for an extensive remodel with groovy furniture indirectly as part of my pets' regular health maintenance. I do wish that Dr. Kim spoke better English. (I've lived abroad a couple times, though, and been on the other side of the "native tongue" equation, so I'm perhaps more forgiving than others about this issue.) When I needed help understanding what Dr. Kim was trying to explain to me, Mrs. Kim always stepped in to help out. This can be somewhat tiring, though, so that's the reason I am giving them four stars instead of five. Kams-hamnida, Dr. and Mrs. Kim. (That's "thank you" in Korean--they were always happy to help me practice the 20 words I remember from a vacation in Korea 20 years ago.) I recommend Hillview Pet Hospital if you're in the El Cerrito/Albany/Richmond area--especially if you're looking for a less expensive but still high-quality veterinarian. read more

Outstanding professional pet services. After taking my cat to another vet in El Cerrito for several years, I finally gave up on them. I took my elderly cat to Hillview for a second opinion and I am glad I did. Dr. Kim made a professional, experienced diagnosis with appropriate recommended actions. I am thoroughly pleased with the services at Hillview, although you should be prepared to go slow with the communication because English is not Dr. Kim's native language. The fees are reasonable. I only wish I had discovered Hillview a long time ago. read more

Yes, you may have a hard time understanding the doctor if you have a difficulty with accents, but this place is great. Very friendly, thought my puppy was the cutest, and the bill wasn't as steep as other places. It's been very easy to schedule appointments and they are really accommodating. read more

Well, well... this review is likely to change... if anyone at Hillview Pet Hospital ever picks up the phone!!! I am trying to make an appointment, and cannot get a person or answering machine to pick up... grrrrr!!! --Ok, ok, I am not heartless after all! I have given them 4 stars instead of 1, because once I was able to get them on the phone, they were very kind and acommodating. And when our puppy had his appointment, the vet was very sweet and gentle with my boy. Why didn't they get 5 stars you ask? Because they take FOREVER to answer the phone! They need an answering machine PRONTO! read more

They are supper nice and professional. Will do the extra for you and your pet. Few times they stayed late for me. They give their privet cell phone for emergency :) read more

Dr. Kim and his wife Young are really wonderful, warm people. They genuinely care for animals and their owners. Young always knows my name, my cat's name, and even my husband's name--no matter how much time has passed. Dr. Kim provides top-notch care for my cat, who has had three urinary tract infections. She also has kidney issues, and used to throw up a lot. He always knows just what to do. I'm sure he has helped her live longer (she's 16.) Though they don't have an after hours answering service, or emergency services, they make themselves available quickly in the morning if necessary. They are originally from Taegu, S. Korea, and have lived in the US for many decades. I like them very, very, much. read more

We have been taking our little puppy Kiwi to see Dr. Kim and his wife Mrs. Young Kim since we got her and we have received nothing but the best care for our puppy. Dr. Kim is very knowledgeable and has helped us with all of Kiwi's shots, deworming, and an ear infection. Dr. Kim and Mrs. Kim care about animals above all and offer fair prices. When our puppy threw up one of her deworming pills, Dr. Kim gave us a new one for her free of cost. Whenever we call, Dr. Kim and his wife see Kiwi as soon as possible - sometimes even on the same day that we call! I highly recommend Dr. Kim! He and his wife are a great and caring team and we are so grateful for all their help with our little Kiwi. read more

True story. I was between vets and slowly looking around for a new one when I noticed that one of my cats was developing an upper respiratory infection. Hillview Pet Hospital is a few blocks from my home and I liked the idea of being able to walk to appointments. After reading on Yelp that they were slow to answer the phone, I decided to walk over that day to make an appointment in person. When I arrived I was greeted by a woman at the front desk. Her: "Yes, may I help you?" Me: "Hello, I would like to make an appointment for my cat. He seems to be developing an upper respiratory infection." Her: "Just a minute, please." She leaves. I hear some whispering. She comes back and closes the glass window. I hear more whispering. Someone comes and closes the door between the waiting room and the exam rooms. More whispering. She returns. Her: "I'm sorry but we can't see your cat." Me: "I don't need an appointment immediately. This is not his first infection and I know they develop slowly. Tomorrow, the day after, the day after that, pretty much anything would be fine." Her: "I'm sorry but we can't see your cat." I noticed that the woman had a bit of a foreign accent. I thought perhaps we were having a bit of a language comprehension issue so I tried a different approach. Me: "Okay, when is your next available opening?" Her: "I'm sorry but we can't see your cat ever." Me: "Ever? You mean, as in, never?" Her: "Yes." Me: "Really?" Her: "Yes." Me: "Would you mind telling me why?" Her: "Because he is sick." Me: "You can't see my cat because he is sick?" Her: "Yes, that is correct." Me: "This is a vet's office, right?" Her: "Yes." Me: "I don't understand. This is a vet's office but you can't see my cat because he is sick?" Her: "Yes." At this point the Twilight Zone theme song started playing in my brain so I headed for the door. As I was leaving I noticed that their street address is 666 and I was not surprised. I should tell you that I am a middle-aged woman. I am not deformed. I am not hideously ugly. I have an average appearance. I smile often. I make other people smile. I bathe daily. I probably look a lot like your mother. Dogs and cats and small children love me. I am incapable of scaring anyone unless I yell and even then it's a bit of a stretch. I do not bounce checks. I show up early for appointments. I wipe my feet on doormats. I do not steal magazines from waiting rooms. I do not make unreasonable demands. I am grateful for good service and I enjoy expressing my appreciation. Even so, for several days after this experience I asked myself whether her refusal was personal in nature or whether there was something going on that had nothing to do with me. I'm definitely leaning towards the latter though I admit I still have a small doubt. Whatever the reason, I suggest that you stay away from this place and find a vet who understands that animals do occasionally get sick. read more

You will never get veterinary care that is better, more personal or more compassionate than what you'll get from Dr. Kim. There are no fancy waiting rooms here, and no unnecessary check-ins, where a nurse weights your pet for no reason. Dr. Kim welcomes you in immediately and gives you his full attention. He is humble, loving and kind. His treatment is exact and to the point. I had been in situations where I had taken my cat to an emergency hospital, where the first thing they did was to take an xray and charge us $300 for it, and my cat was no better for it. Dr. Kim diagnosed the situation immediately - no xrays necessary - and the prescribed medicine made my cat better within hours. I cannot recommend a vet more highly, sometimes I wish he was my doctor. You'll get used to his accent, if you put in a little effort. read more

After calling this place once to make an appointment and having a barely english-speaking, rude woman on the phone, I never called back, nor will I ever go there. read more

Dr. Kim is a devoted and caring doctor. He and his wife work together with no extra staff. As a result, his office is very intimate - he always remembers you and your pets no matter how much time has passed. He has a very thick accent but his wife is a great translator. We first visited Dr. Kim 11 years ago with two feral kittens that other vets refused to treat. He was extremely professional and lighthearted, delivering expert care at a fair price. He is consistently gentle, compassionate, and caring. To this day, he still remembers us and our cats every time we visit. read more

We were very, very pleased with Dr. Kim and his assistant, Mrs. Kim. We had prepared them on the phone for our desire to have no other service than our cat's wound evaluated, and there was no pressure for anything else. In fact, though an antibiotic could have been prescribed, since the abscess that was diagnosed was already resolved, he felt there was no need for treatment, that it would be ok to just observe the cat for the next few days, as it has been eating and drinking and was in no distress. Dr. Kim's bedside manner was gentle, yet with his taking full charge of the cat, which readily submitted to his control. We walked out only $49 poorer, and felt very well served. Please choose the Kim's for your pets to have them leave as happy as is possible under the circumstances of their doctor's visit! (Closed on Wednesdays). Monika, M.D. read more

i love Dr. and Mrs. Kim! And it's important for me to support a modest, family-owned business that has been in the community for years and really cares about its clients. I used to go to the SPCA in San Francisco, but I moved to the East Bay and I'm so much happier taking my two cats here. They never try to upsell or make me feel bad about any decisions regarding pet care (like I experienced at the SPCA) and they are thorough and sweet with both of my cats. I always know I can trust them and even though my cats hate it (understandably!), I feel great going there and knowing they are in good hands :) They help make a stressful situation for a pet-owner much more pleasant! read more

If I could leave no stars I would, I would never take my pets here. I made an appointment for one of my dogs for a second opinion, all was well until my other dog got sick. I had an appt at 10:30, called at 10:00 to see if I could swap appts. I had to call three times before anyone answered the phone, which was annoying. My poor dachshund was in severe pain and when I called the receptionist gave me the run around about blood work from a previous vet. When I asked if she could call and get those records instead of me having to stop on my way with a very sick dog, she told me no that it would be a waste time and that I should probably take my dog somewhere else. I was appalled and shocked that she even suggested that, what vet would not want to treat a sick animal, isn't that what they do? I was infuriated and canceled the appointment all together. I then called another vet and they were gracious and caring and got us in immediately. I have never had such poor service. It was a shame I never even got to meet the doctor because the staff thought my pet was a waste of time and not worth her energy. Ridiculous. read more

I don't know why Ange M. or L. A. had their respective problems, because whenever I have called during business hours Hillview's receptionist has picked up and been very polite to me (and I've taken my cat to them for years). Her accent is easily understandable, too. Hillview Pet Hospital is a friendly, accommodating family-run establishment with a gentle and skilled vet. read more

I like these nice folks a lot. They have always been very nice to me and especially to my 2 beautiful dogs. I think their services are probably limited, no specialists here, but for most routine care it is a great place with warm hearted animal lovers to care for my pets. Their prices are lower than most too. read more

Dr. & Mrs. Kim are wonderful. It's a non-issue their accents are not American as Dr. Kim is an excellent vet, they geniunely care, and appointments are a breeze to book. I see from his diploma hanging on the wall in the clinic he got his vet degree from UC Davis in 1985. Sure, it's a modest business but Dr. Kim is efficient, effective and professional. He and Mrs. Kim have seen us through the lives of our three cats (one which lived until the ripe old age of 23) and now provide great vet care for our rescued lab. It'll be a sad day for our family when they decide to retire. read more