Dean G Watanabe, DVM

Dr. Watanabe (and his staff) is THEE only Doctor I trust with my rescue dogs. He has a way with making my rescues feel at ease and happy to be there. Friendly staff, and Mary knows it all with pets and the Doctor! It’s worth the price you pay. Thank you San Marino Vet. Clinic!

I cannot recommend Dr. Wantanabe more highly. He has saved my beloved dog on numerous occasions. Dr. Wantanabe is absolutely brilliant and will do treatments/​methods other vets have never even considered.

We drive an hour from our home to see Dr. Watanabe. Because of his good work, our Siamese is recovering from cancer, while our local vet wanted to cut off the cat’s leg! He’s the only vet we will use from now on!

The best testimony I can give this place is the one I’ve seen with my own eyes. I’ve owned 6 dogs over my lifetime. I’ve been to a bunch of different vets and vet offices during that time. One thing that is constant throughout all those other offices, and is funny, (and if you’ve owned pets I’m sure you’ve seen this before) is that so many dogs have «put on the brakes» and literally have to be dragged into a vet’s office. Most animals hate the vet and don’t want to go in.
The exact reverse is true at San Marino Vet Clinic, with Dr. Watanabe. My dog actually jumps off the car and runs to the door because she can’t wait to see him! She’s not the only dog that does that. I’ve seen countless other dogs in the waiting room wag their tails anxiously waiting to see the Doctor. Imagine that, a vet that your pet actually WANTS to see!!!
The staff is helpful, professional, friendly, and my dog loves them too!
Dr. Watanabe has saved my Golden Retriever’s life by removing a tumorous spleen from her, when two other vets said surgery wasn’t needed. He’s also repaired a torn ACL in her hind leg and now she walks better than ever! My dog is getting older and she is developing arthritis, like most old dogs do. Dr. Watanabe has put her on a special regimen of shots and meds, and I’m happy to say she walks around and plays like a pup, even though she’s 11. Doctor Watanabe has told me on several occasions that while a lot of other vets are diagnostic vets (I.E, they just tell you what’s wrong, and will only treat symptoms) but he is a therapeutic vet (I.E, he’ll tell you what’s wrong and will attempt to correct the actual problem).
Even though Dr. Watanabe is my primary vet, there have been times when he has been on vacation that I have also seen Dr. Sakamoto. He has a very gentle demeanor and has an excellent way with animals. My dog loves him as well.
Other reviews have mentioned price. If you love your pet like family, money should be the last thing you think about, in my opinion. Regardless, Dr. Watanabe is very fair and the costs are comparable to most other vets I’ve seen. His only concern is for your pet and its health, and cost is secondary.
There can be a wait sometime, but that is because they limit the number of patients they accept into their care. This is because Dr. Watanabe wants to give every patient his complete and undivided attention to you and your pet, which always happens 100% of the time.
If there is one downside, it’s that their office isn’t open on weekends, but that’s a small inconvenience, and the other positives outweigh that small negative.
I consider myself lucky to have Dr. Watanabe as my vet. He’s simply the best, and I wholeheartedly endorse and recommend his practice.

This is the best vet around, both doctors are kind and very caring. The staff is wonderful, Mary gets work done. I have been going to them for 16 years. They will work with you and if you pet is scared most times he will treat them in the foyer.

Wow… I couldn’t believe that this place had anything less than 5 stars. But, then when I saw the 1 star comments I was like, there is probably 1 comment that had clearly a bad experience. But, still it was more than likely a freak accident. Even the comment noted that Dr. Dean looked like he just woke up. I mean, seriously, look how many other comments are noting the care, compassion and just plain love he has for his patients.
As for the comment about the price, it’s the old adage «you get what you pay for». If the person that made the comment that the prices here are too high wants better prices, go barter with some vets that only care about making your wallet happy and not your pet.
We have been going to this place for EVER! My whole family is sold on him… as well as our friends. The staff and Dr. Dean ROCK!!!

Its hard to describe the magic that goes on with Dr Watanabe. The reason the office is so busy is that people come from all over to bring their animals to him for care. When we rescued an Akita from a beach town 4 hours away, we made the drive to take her to Dr. W. He helped her to live 2 more years with a beautiful life. When my female Spitz had to transcend to the other side, we again drove her hours from the house we were living at th time just to «come home «to be helped by Dr W. There is no Vet anywhere that can compare. It’s is not just his medical experience or his caring nature, we actually believe that he uses a little talked about medical intuitive ability to diagnose, care for and ultimately know how to help all animals live in this realm or transfer to the next with peace and love. He is a one of a kind animal doctor and if you truly love your animal companion, why not go to the best of the best?
Excellent, companionate, communicative. Truly a MASTER.

Once again Dr Watanabe to the rescue! I have had several kitties over the years live to an advance age (18 years +) due to his care and expertise. The most recent emergency Vet had my current feline with all four paws in her grave and Dr Watanabe never gave up on her. She’s bounced back and is on the road to recovery. I have known the Doc and Mary his assistant for over 30 years and to be able to show up and TRUST they will tell you the truth and help you and your animal. I can not thank them enough for their love of my animals and friendship. This is THE BEST ANIMAL CLINIC EVER! I used to drive from Valencia to bring my kitties to see him as he’s that good. Truly a one of a kind Vet.

Best vet ever! Been going to him for years and years. He is sensitive and kind and super professional and up to date with the newest treatments. My dog LOVES him. The staff is fantastic too!

There is often a wait, even with an appointment. But that’s because Dr. Watanabe likes to make sure you understand everything so he talks a lot.
He certainly is a better diagnostician than our last vet. So far I trust him more than any other vet I have had.

This place is so over priced!!! The compassion and caring for the animals has long been replaced with the dollar sign. You are rushed in and if you are lucky you will see the vet as he is running through to the next animal. Lost is the office visits where the vet takes the time to discuss your pets problems and help you get the best care for your loved one. Gone is the follow up call to inquire how the pet is doing. I am happy to say I have a great new vet in Glendale.

He is very possibly the best doctor of any medicine that I have ever met. He has saved my pets countless times and all with great skill and care. The whole staff is wonderful and I can’t say enough good things about them.
If you have to wait for an appointment, then wait, he’s worth it and so are your pets.

Okay, you will wait and wait so come with patience… but the wait is worth it. He is a gifted vet who sized up our dog so fast and corrected something in one visit that another vet place had been dealing with for over a year. OMG, fabulous! Then another situation arose and he took one look and knew it was my dog’s back and diagnosed it without a X ray, something my old vet would have charged me 200 plus just to be sure they were sure.
Side issue is that you do have to pay in CASH, meaning no credit cards. they’ll do checks but well, that just means I go in knowing that. Really good vet… limited hours no week ends, and he’s the only vet… so be prepared to have a good Emergency vet lined up or back up place ready.

Dr Watanabe is an exceptional Vet. Highly skilled, compassionate, and spends time with each pet and their owner. Explains every aspect of treatment, options, pet’s health, and does not charge for every little thing (taking a blood pressure) like many other offices.
Mary is very caring and friendly. She runs a smooth and efficient front office and always returns my phone calls the same day or first thing the next day.
My only wish is that the office were open on Sats and took credit cards BUT with a fabulous VET like Dr. Watanabe and Super office Staff… WHO CARES!
Thank you Hannah Banana! Bow Wow 5 PAWS

He’s the best vet I’ve ever met in my whole life. Dr. Watanabe is very patient explaining the condition of your dog unlike most vets, who would just give some shots to the dog and send some meds home when you dont even know what exactly is going on. I would make him my primary care physician if my insurance would accept it haha

I’ve been going to Dr. Watanabe over the past 15+ years. He’s not only taken care of my animals but customers of mine have been overjoyed with his knowledge and loving way he has with the animals. He’s been there for me when I’ve gotten a new pet and care through their life span then there thru their death. His staff, especially Mary, are dedicated & loving and if you’re looking for a great vet it’s Dr. Watanabe.
Rena R,
Pet Mama Pet Sitting
Pasadena, CA

I took my dog, Charley, to Dr. Watanabe today for the first time. He is by far the most kind and gentle vet I’ve met. My last vet would recommend four hundred services before even examining my dog. Dr. Watanabe treated the issue at hand (arthritis and vaccines) and took a lot of time explaining the illness to me and what I could expect. I’m looking forward to Charley getting his spring in his step back under the treatment of Dr. Watanabe!
Thank you San Marino Vet Clinic.

The only problem with Dr. Watanabe is that he is SO good that this place is literally packed at all times! After trying several vets around the area over the last 15 years, we were very pleased that we could squeeze in as a new client here two years ago. Our lab and border collie mix are both 12 years old now so we wanted to have an excellent vet for the last part of their lives and Watanabe is simply the best vet (or medical professional of any kind) that I’ve ever seen.
He’s performed surgeries, diagnosed a couple of difficult issues, and handled all the regular stuff wonderfully for our 2 dogs and 2 cats since we’ve known him. The staff and great facility are simply on another level and this is clearly the «Nordstrom» of the industry in our area. Watanabe’s passion, experience, attention to detail, and high skill level make this place a 5 star experience every time.

We’ve been to many Vet. in the past, and I can say no one came closed to Dr. Watanabe’ care and attention for our dogs. He does not treat them like a patient. He treats our dogs like members of his family.
Dr. Watanabe understands that not only there are «Four Legged», but also «Two Legged» that need TLC when walking into his office. The patience and care that he shows for our dogs are above and beyond any of expectation that we have. He takes the time to explaining everything in detail, and the treatments he recommends are always in the best interest of our dogs.
Sure, in term of price, he is not the cheapest, but he is the best! When one of your family member is ill, do you look for the cheapest or the best? He is worth it and more!
You don’t have to believe me, just make an appointment for consultation, take your dog or cat on a routine exam. Check out his office, the many picture of his family members on the wall, and his interaction with them. You will be convinced that he is the BEST!

I have been in Los Angeles for about seven years. In the seven years I’ve lived here, I have been to about that many different vets. They ranged from incompetent– like the guy who wouldn’t let me witness my cat’s «acupuncture treatment» and brought her back to me after being in another room with her for maybe 10 minutes (acupuncture usually takes a bare minimum of 20 minutes just for the needles to sit, not including the amount of time it takes to insert them and remove them), to completely insane– like the «cat specialist» who insisted that it «didn’t matter» what I fed my cat.
Needless to say, I was frustrated as hell.
I’ve been having my cats’ teeth cleaned at home because it’s a lot less stressful for them, and a lot easier on me. The last time the cat teeth lady came, she told me that my older boy, Chachi, had two teeth that probably needed to be extracted, and recommended I take him to the vet. She recommended the San Marino Vet Clinic, and I am forever grateful to her for that. For the first time in 7 years, I feel confident in my cats’ medical care.
First of all, the place is gorgeous. I’m used to sitting on a rickety chair in a dingy waiting room smelling faintly of urine and cleaning solution. This place was spotless, beautifully and comfortably decorated and furnished, and a lot like being in the waiting room of a really, really nice bank. A bank that allows pets.
Oh, and that’s another thing. Usually at the vet’s office, all the pets seem really nervous and antsy. Here, the dogs all seemed calm and not too put off at being at the vet’s office. How common is THAT? Not very, sez me!
Anyway, Chachi was not thrilled about not being home, and he was all over the waiting room (I had him on a harness and leash. Yes, my cat was on a harness and leash. He likes it better than the crate. Shut up). The staff were really tolerant of him– actually, they were really great with him, oohing and aahing over his very nervous cuteness.
I watched Dr. Watanabe, the vet who owns the clinic, shuttling in and out of the treatment room. I watched him treat a dog right there in the lobby– the dog needed shots; he distracted him with treats and gave him the shots right there. I watched him spend plenty of unrushed time talking to each pet owner about their pets, answering all questions, never making them feel like they had to getingetoutpayup. He clearly cared about each and every animal there, and the animals clearly loved him, too.
Whithin a few minutes of getting on the treatment table, Chachi had actually calmed down enough to crunch down the treats Dr. Watanabe put on the table for him, and started purring and rubbing on the good doctor. If that’s not a sign, I don’t know what is.
The doctor explained to me that the non-​anesthesia dentists don’t get under the gumline, and showed me the proof in Chachi’s horribly swollen gums. So I arranged for a teeth cleaning and we decided to do a urinalysis to make sure that the bacteria from his gums hadn’t affected his kidneys.
After I brought Chachi back for his dental work, Dr. Watanabe called me and asked me if I could get my old vet to fax him the results of the tests they’d done on him. I thought it was odd that they hadn’t sent that with his original records. I called the old vet and they said they’d send anything else they found. Turned out, they didn’t send anything else. When I came to pick up Chachi, Dr. Watanabe sat down with me and showed me his records from the old vet. They had written down that they’d done various tests on him that didn’t make sense, and none of them had any results. They wrote that they’d vaccinated him, when I specifically asked not to vaccinate him. WTF?
I had given Dr. Watanabe permission to do whatever needed to be done. $ 1,050.75 later, I didn’t feel for one second that he’d done anything that didn’t need to be done– he was working with a blank slate, and had absolutely zero information on my cat. He explained why he did everything he did, and I felt fine about it. If I’m feeling fine about parting with $ 1,050.75, then you know that it’s all good.
Dr. Watanabe called me as soon as Chachi’s results were in (he’s 100% healthy, hooray!!!) and told me things he’d like me to watch out for. He never once made me feel rushed, and hell, when was the last time your vet called you personally– twice!– without you calling first 5,000 times?
My only complaint about this clinic is that they take cash or check only. Although, since I no longer use credit cards, this really isn’t much of an issue for me, and I’m never spending money I don’t have. And they will let you pay in installments if you need to. So that’s good. Consultations/​checkups without tests are only $ 40, which is very cheap compared to the other vets I’ve been to.
Anyway, I’ve finally found a caring, honest, and truly awesome vet. It’s nice to know I can stop at 8.