Northbay Animal Hospital Comparative Summary

In addition to earning the prestigious Diamond Certified award for being rated highest in quality, Northbay Animal Hospital has gained a reputation for being one of the top veterinary clinics in the Bay Area. It provides a full range of services for all types of pets at its San Rafael facility, including examinations, treatments, radiology, ultrasounds, dentistry, surgery, endoscopy, boarding and day care. Unlike other practices that only treat dogs and cats, Northbay Animal Hospital cares for exotic pets like birds, rats, guinea pigs, hamsters, lizards and snakes.

Owner George Walters, DVM, is a 1959 graduate of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. After working as a research lab veterinarian at Merck, Sharp and Dohme, Dr. Walters established Northbay Animal Hospital in 1978. The clinic’s other resident veterinarian, Dr. Kristina Hansson, graduated from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. Dr. Hansson has trained extensively in animal ultrasonography and specializes in birds. “She’s also excellent with eyes,” says Dr. Walters. “If a pet comes in with an eye problem, I always turn it over to her.”

Northbay Animal Hospital is well equipped with a variety of state-of-the-art equipment, including digital X-ray and ultrasound machines that allow for quick and precise radiologist reviews. “Our equipment allows us to make very accurate diagnoses, which is extremely important when dealing with the health of an animal. Since they can’t verbally communicate, we have to identify what’s wrong in other ways. The technology we have at our disposal makes it easier to do that.”

Northbay Animal Hospital also provides pet food that’s designed for veterinary use and is healthier than many store bought brands. Dr. Walters says the clinic’s choice of pet food is indicative of its entire approach to caring for animals. “It’s simple: We love animals and enjoy working with them. And we like the people, too. Many of them have been coming to us for years, and their consistent patronage lets us know we’re doing our jobs right.”