Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Pet Care Providers in San Francisco
Balboa Pet Hospital has been a trusted provider of veterinary care in San Francisco since 1948. Our team of experienced veterinarians and compassionate staff are dedicated to delivering comprehensive medical services for dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, reptiles, and exotic pets. We prioritize individualized care plans, transparent communication, and advanced diagnostic tools to ensure optimal pet health.With a focus on preventive care, senior pet support, and integrative medicine, we aim to foster long-term relationships with pets and their families. Our facility combines modern veterinary technology with a welcoming environment to minimize stress for both pets and owners. Accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), we uphold rigorous standards of excellence in all aspects of our practice.
Services
Acupuncture
Boarding
Dentistry
Diagnostics
Senior Pet Care
Vaccinations
Preventive Exams
Health Certificates
Details
- Year established: 1948
Highlights and features
- We offer 75+ years of veterinary expertise since 1948
- Our hospital is AAHA-accredited for excellence in care
- Compassionate team provides personalized attention to pets
- Full-service offerings including dentistry, surgery, and boarding
- Specialized senior pet care programs with early disease detection
Associations and certifications
- AAHA
What people say
Exceptional staff
Gentle with pets
Knowledgeable team
Clean environment
Specialized exotic care
Services
Acupuncture
Integrative medicine combining Western veterinary practices with Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. Treats chronic conditions like arthritis, allergies, and neurological disorders through needle therapy, electrostimulation, and aqua-acupuncture. Enhances healing naturally while minimizing pharmaceutical dependency for improved pet wellness.
Boarding
Veterinary-supervised boarding for dogs, cats, and exotic pets in a clean, secure environment. Includes individual playtime, nutritionally balanced meals, and medical monitoring. Features climate-controlled indoor spaces and outdoor play areas for dogs, with special accommodations for pets requiring medication or dietary management.
Dentistry
Comprehensive dental services including cleanings, extractions, and periodontal disease prevention. Utilizes digital X-rays and anesthesia protocols to ensure thorough treatment. Addresses bad breath, tooth decay, and gum infections while emphasizing home care education to maintain long-term oral health and prevent systemic complications.
Diagnostics
In-house laboratory with digital imaging capabilities for rapid bloodwork, urinalysis, and cytology results. Performs pre-anesthetic screenings, parasite detection, and advanced diagnostics like X-rays with remote radiologist consultation. Enables timely diagnosis of internal conditions and treatment monitoring for improved patient outcomes.
Senior Pet Care
Specialized programs for aging pets focusing on early detection of kidney disease, arthritis, and cognitive decline. Includes bi-annual exams, tailored nutrition plans, and pain management strategies. Combines conventional medicine with acupuncture to enhance mobility and quality of life for senior dogs, cats, and exotic animals.
People
Dr. Paul D. Clary
Founder
Established Balboa Pet Hospital in 1966, bringing decades of veterinary expertise. Served as SFVMA president and maintained memberships in AVMA, CVMA, and AAHA. Known for compassionate care and community-focused practice philosophy.
Dr. Starfinder Stanley
TCVM Practitioner
Certified in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, specializing in acupuncture treatments for chronic conditions. Integrates Eastern techniques with Western diagnostics to address pain management, neurological issues, and geriatric care for small animals.
Questions
What exotic pets do you treat?
We care for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, reptiles, and other exotic animals with specialized veterinary expertise.
Do you offer emergency services?
Yes, we provide emergency veterinary care during regular business hours and can refer critical cases to 24/7 facilities.
Are weekend appointments available?
We offer Saturday appointments from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM for both wellness visits and urgent care needs.
How do I refill prescriptions?
Request refills online through our Pet Portal or contact us directly during business hours for medication renewals.
What boarding accommodations exist?
Our facility offers climate-controlled indoor spaces with outdoor playtime for dogs, and quiet areas for cats and small animals.
Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
Many pet insurance plans cover integrative medicine services - check your policy details for specific coverage information.
Reviews (5)
Barbra V.
Jun 18, 2022
Report
This is NOT the same Balboa hospital I have patronized for 3 decades. As the result of a corporate buyout (Blue River) their protocol and priorities have changed for the worse. Their bottom line is their only priority. Their patients and clients are just fodder for profit and exploitation. When this "buyout" took place I was never informed of the dramatic changes in staff and procedures I had grown to rely on for years. Costs have skyrocketed and follow up care and concern are non existent.
If you look at the of the staff photo which appears on their website only Dr. Del Rosso remains. She has always been great but is now forced to adhere to new corporate procedures which, in my opinion, amount to ethical violations of veterinary care. Do your research. It a veterinary hospital falls under the Blue River umbrella, I would suggest that you keep looking.
If you look at the of the staff photo which appears on their website only Dr. Del Rosso remains. She has always been great but is now forced to adhere to new corporate procedures which, in my opinion, amount to ethical violations of veterinary care. Do your research. It a veterinary hospital falls under the Blue River umbrella, I would suggest that you keep looking.
Chris W.
May 19, 2022
Report
Avoid this place for serious medical issues. Our corgi had a lump, which was misdiagnosed by Balboa Pet Hospital as something minor. We trusted their word and proceeded as if nothing was wrong. Turns out, it was something much more serious. Fatal in fact. Find a place you can actually trust to take care of your dog.
Eric L.
Apr 30, 2022
Report
This vet is completely driven by greed and does not care at all about the well being of your pet. Not only are they the priciest vet in SF but they refused to give me a prescription for antibiotics for my 11year old cat who they have been seeing for her entire life! I have spent thousands upon thousands of dollars with this vet over the course of 11 years ( Dr. Starfinder Stanley) and she had a life threatening tooth infection and he refused to see her or write a prescription for antibio tics.
He was rude and condescending and said he had been working long days and couldn't help me! This is just totally unacceptable and I only wish that that the many thousands of dollars I spent with this greedy jerk would have gone to a doctor who has a soul.
He was rude and condescending and said he had been working long days and couldn't help me! This is just totally unacceptable and I only wish that that the many thousands of dollars I spent with this greedy jerk would have gone to a doctor who has a soul.
David G.
Apr 12, 2022
Report
I have been taking my babies here for over a decade and have nothing but rave reviews for the Doctors and Staff. Dr Del Rosso ( aka Dr D) is an amazing amazing person and Doctor. My pets love her and her crew. Super competent. Super compassionate. They are busy.and for good reason
Ayse Dedeoglu Arkali
Apr 09, 2022
Report
Dr Del Rosso at Balboa Hospital is an excellent vet for cats (only had experience with cats). She just has that extra care for your pet that is hard to find elsewhere. She has been our vet for 10+ years. She is a cat whisperer. She was always able to examine our very fidgety and angry cat with her calm demeanor. She doesn't rush to the next patient. She is always patient with us, explaining her recommendations. We have moved away from SF but still drive our cat over to her for bigger procedures / second opinion. I also like that she doesn't recommend unnecessary procedures, vaccines or products.
