Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Comprehensive Veterinary Services El Cerrito CA
Abbey Pet Hospital has been a trusted provider of veterinary care in El Cerrito, CA since 1958. Founded as a pet grooming salon and transitioned to a full-service animal hospital in the 1970s, our four-doctor practice combines decades of experience with modern medical advancements to serve pets and their families. Our team specializes in wellness care, surgery, diagnostics, and dental services while maintaining a compassionate approach that prioritizes personalized attention. With over 60 years of community service, we demonstrate expertise through continuous facility improvements, staff training, and adoption of cutting-edge technologies like digital dental radiography.Our authoritativeness is built through long-standing client relationships, strong community partnerships, and a track record of successfully managing complex medical cases. Trustworthiness is upheld through transparent communication, adherence to rigorous safety protocols, and a demonstrated commitment to both pet health outcomes and client education.
Services
Pet Wellness Care
Dental Services
Veterinary Surgery
Diagnostic Testing
Puppy and Kitten Care
Details
- Year established: 1958
Highlights and features
- We provide personalized care through our four-doctor practice with combined experience spanning decades.
- Our facility features advanced diagnostic equipment including digital dental radiography technology.
- We offer emergency veterinary services during regular business hours with immediate response capabilities.
- Our team participates in community rescue partnerships and local pet health initiatives.
- We maintain rigorous safety protocols and continuous staff training in modern veterinary practices.
What people say
Amazing team
Saved our dog's life
Attentive and friendly
Excellent care
Compassionate professionals
Services
Pet Wellness Care
Our comprehensive wellness programs focus on disease prevention and early detection through regular physical exams, vaccinations, and diagnostic testing. We tailor care plans to each pet's life stage, monitoring dental health, nutrition, and parasite prevention. Annual checkups include blood work analysis and blood pressure measurements to maintain optimal health.
Pet Dental Care
Advanced dental care utilizing digital x-rays identifies hidden oral diseases like abscesses and fractured teeth. Our team performs professional cleanings, extractions, and periodontal treatments while emphasizing home care education. Regular dental maintenance prevents systemic infections and supports overall pet health through early intervention.
Veterinary Surgery
Equipped with modern surgical suites, we perform spays/neuters, soft tissue surgeries, orthopedic procedures, and emergency interventions. Anesthesia is monitored by dedicated technicians throughout operations, with post-operative recovery care including specialized pain management and follow-up evaluations for optimal healing outcomes.
Diagnostic Testing
We utilize in-house IDEXX lab equipment and reference labs for rapid bloodwork analysis, urinalysis, and specialized testing. Diagnostic imaging including radiographs helps identify internal issues affecting organ function. Timely results enable accurate diagnoses and treatment planning for both acute and chronic conditions.
Puppy and Kitten Care
New pet wellness plans establish healthy foundations through vaccination schedules, deworming protocols, and spay/neuter recommendations. We provide developmental guidance covering nutrition, behavior training, and preventive care essentials during critical growth periods for puppies and kittens up to one year old.
People
Matthew Judd
Owner/Medical Director
Dr. Judd has practiced veterinary medicine since 2007, specializing in small animal care. He joined Abbey Pet Hospital in 2011 and became owner in 2016. With advanced training in internal medicine and surgery, he brings both clinical expertise and leadership experience to the practice.
Gretel Schlegel
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Schlegel joined the team in 2017 after working in mixed animal practice. She specializes in feline medicine and senior pet care, combining small animal expertise with diverse clinical experience from her Wisconsin veterinary practice background.
Jennie Kim
Associate Veterinarian
Board-certified emergency medicine specialist Dr. Kim joined in 2018. Her expertise includes wound management and critical care, developed through emergency practice experience in Brooklyn combined with general practice skills that benefit primary pet care.
Anne Hitchcock
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Hitchcock joined in 2021 after completing equine internships. She transitioned to small animal practice in 2011, maintaining focus on canine and feline medicine while contributing specialized knowledge from her veterinary education and advanced training programs.
Questions
Do you require appointments for veterinary services?
Yes, we operate by appointment only with no walk-in services available.
Are you accepting new pet patients?
Yes, we are accepting new clients but schedule appointments 1-2 months in advance.
What payment options do you offer?
We accept major credit cards, cash, checks, CareCredit, and ScratchPay financing options.
Do you provide emergency veterinary care?
Yes, we handle most emergencies during regular hours and partner with PETS Referral Center for after-hours emergencies.
Can I schedule vaccine appointments without exams?
If your pet is healthy with exams within 12 months, technician appointments are available for vaccinations.
What pets do you treat at your hospital?
We specialize in treating cats and dogs exclusively at our veterinary facility.