Sage Centers for Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Care

Sorry I meant to add this to my previous review. We went to this EC years and years ago with our dog and it was, even then a great caring facility. Dr. Abbott was the vet that we saw most often but our pup was in her final days and suffering so, as a family, we asked that she be put to sleep. Dr. Abbott stayed with us, was so patient (we had to wait for our daughter to get here from San Jose), allowed us ‘alone’ time before and after. She was just such a caring and wonderful doctor. I’m not sure she is still associated with SAGE but we hope she is doing well.

This review is long overdue. My 6 year old spaniel became acutely ill and we had to bring him to the ER. After only looking at him for about 5 minutes, the ‘brilliant’ doctor concluded that my spaniel had a devastating disease and would most likely need to be put down. This was a completely healthy spaniel, no history, that became acutely ill in a matter of days. Needless to say we were devastated. After spending literally thousands of dollars treating this rare autoimmune ‘disease’ which they diagnosed him with. I decided to challenge them and do my own research. I challenged the drs multiple times, asked them to consider other scenarios, but they refused and were extremely difficult to work with. It was clear to me their main concern was collecting $$$. At one point we were so frustrated we said, if what it takes is $ 100 bucks to have a 5 min conversation, we’ll give you the $ 100 bucks. I told them we recently moved here and it was highly probable that he was exposed to something in this new environment, the beaches, the ocean, the forests. Long story short, I looked into alternative holistic options and antibiotics. We saw improvement within a week. As opposed to the toxic and expensive medications they were prescribing. I quickly realized that this system is no different than the one we have for people. They treat SYMPTOMS and do not solve problems. If you learn anything, beware of this and do you own research. Do not rely on their ‘expert’ opinions. There are no experts. And seek out other options and natural/​holistic alternatives to find actual SOLUTIONS to the problems. This they don’t understand, so don’t waste your time. I’m sure they are good at fixing bones and applying bandages. But they are too quick to diagnose devastating diseases that you should not just declare with such a cavalier attitude. Oh and months later my spaniel is doing just fine. He’s running around, happy, playing. No devastating disease here. If I would have just blindly listened to them, my dog would have been dead. Shame on them! Take charge of your pets’ health, just like you would your own.

This clinic and its doctors have saved two of my dogs. They are expensive, but extremely knowledgeable. You pay for what you get. Their equipment and technology is on point and the doctors are extremely caring and honest. There is never a guarantee of how a pet will react to treatment but I know by taking my dogs to SAGE, they are getting the best treatment possible.

All the Vets and staff at Sage are amazing. We have taken both our dogs there for emergency needs over the last 5 years and received excellent care each visit. One of our dogs had successful TPLO surgery and most recently was treated for burns (caused by another vet). Dr. Roberts and Dr. Glerum literally saved our dogs life and she is now back to her happy self!

I brought my cat in, at the recommendation of my regular vet. He was having acute kidney failure, and the staff at SAGE was very caring, kind, and patient. They wanted to make sure that I understood what was going on, how euthanasia works and how the cat would react, and gave me as much time and as much kleenex as I needed to say goodbye. They helped make a very painful time easier.

This is an amazing team of vets. Dr. Ullman, Dr. Sogame and Nurse Karla have done incredible things for my dog Max.
What’s different about Sage? First and foremost, you can tell how much they care about their four-​legged patients and the parents. Second, their knowledge is broad and deep. You can tell from the conversations how much their experience comes through.
I highly recommend Sage Centers in San Mateo.

I would NOT recommend this place. We had taken our rat terrier to VCA where she received excellent care. VCA recommend that we take her across the bay to a place in San Leandro. That was a distance for us, since we live in Foster City. We knew she would need several appointments due to what she had. A friend of mine, said she had gone to Sage and her pet
was treated well. I asked VCA if it would be ok to take her there, do they had the right facilities she would need, they said yes. While taking her to VCA, she loved them as they loved her. We took her to Sage and the nightmare began. Too much to list, I will say, I would NEVER RECOMMEND this place!!! they did NOT care about our dog, our dog was afraid of them, they would literally have to pull her out of her crate. She was no more than a number to them.
I regret not just taking her across the bay. Don’t make the mistake we did. No compassion —
no care. There was only one tech there (a male) don’t know his name, that showed ANY compassion at all towards her. Horrible Place! Horrible experience. Only interest they had was the money, that is ALL they cared about. Sad but True!!!

Fishy. I called in for a price estimate for IVDD surgery, and was told that only after a $ 150 consultation could a doctor or nurse give me a ballpark estimate. I understand that complications can occur, and each case will have it’s own price, but refusing to give me a ballpark range foreshadows either incompetence or procedural opacity.

The staff at this veterinary clinic is the best. The neurology specialist Dr. CAMERON AND HER STAFF ARE GREAT. HELP out of car into facility, understanding your pet. Talking about the alternatives for care. Thank yiu, my Tinker bell is happy to be home

My cat was missing for a week. He came home scrawny, lethargic, and smelling of pus. I rushed him to Sage. His throat had basically been ripped out. He was near death. Everyone at Sage cared for my cat like he was their own child. After several surgeries and some extensive home treatment he is actually back to his old self!
I can’t thank them enough for saving his life. They worked with me financially and called me daily for updates. Having a pet emergency? I wouldn’t even consider going elsewhere.

I wish Sage offered regular veterinary services because I would definitely bring my dogs here. The staff are very kind and gentle with the animals.
I brought my dog here for an emergency visit after he started behaving erratically and having seizure like symptoms. The staff was quick and attentive and able to reach an accurate diagnosis.
They provided options for treatment but left it up to me to decide how I wanted my dog treated. I don’t feel like there was pressure to pay for anything unneeded.
Happy to report that my dog is doing fine!

This review is long overdue!
Several months ago, I picked up my pup from daycare and noticed that the left aspect of her face was quite swollen. The daycare staff informed me that she was playing outside when she Unilocaled suddenly — I guess they did’t notice the swelling? At home, I tried a warm compress but to no avail. Although it wasn’t truely an emergency, I took her to Sage because she is has flat face and her regular vet was closed. The staff from the front office to the back and even the Vets were pretty friendly & knowledgable. It turns out that my pup was stung by a wasp inside of her lip! Ouch. They gave her an anti-​inflammatory & pain meds — phew. On top of the great customer service & diagnosis, the price was fair… I honestly spend more $$$ at her regular vet (Camino Pet Clinic). Anyways, we left and my pup’s swelling subsided within a few days. Hoorah.
On New Years Eve, I noticed a hardish lump in between her front paw pads… And once again, her regular vet was fully booked & closing in a few minutes. Better safe than sorry, so I hauled her off the Sage again so the vet can take a look at the lump. I was thinking it was a tumor or even an abscess due to foxtail seed. The nurse took her back and returned saying that it’s nothing to worry about. She told me to keep an eye on it for the next few days. Sage didn’t even charge me for the visit since the vet didn’t come in. I am reassured that this hospital really looks out for the well-​being of our fur babies without ripping off their parents.
I would totally recommend Sage.

Everyone there was warm and friendly and understanding — I know I can be a bit of a crazy mom when my cat’s well-​being is at stake. But aren’t we all when our babies are hurt?
After a terrible and expensive and inconclusive experience at Nor Cal emergency vet in Daly City, I decided to take my cat to Sage, even though it was a further drive.
The vet and the support staff seemed to understand the worry and fear I was holding in and were quite comforting. The vet at Sage seemed more experienced and didn’t need to charge me for every test under the sun. She was able to rule out tests that the vet at Nor Cal wanted to do.
***AND THE COSTS FOR THE TESTS WERE MUCH LESS AT SAGE THAN AT NOR-​CAL***
I got better service, felt more at ease and prices were better. No-​brainer, take your animal to Sage.

Great customer service all around!
Yes it can be very tough seeing a doctor for Oncology (tumor), but Dr. Sogame is one of THE best! She really knows how to explain everything down to a T. Answers all my questions to the best of her ability and knowledge, and is VERY empathetic towards animal and owner.
If your pet has any Oncology needs, go to this Veterinary, their Doctors are great!

My sisters dog has been going through treatment there and has had a decent experience. Been a few months now and still happy with how things are going. Prognosis is bad But still happy with the service

We brought our dog Buzz to SAGE in San Mateo at the recommendation of our regular vet. Buzz had been attacked and massively injured by another dog, and all I can say is — they saved his life, again and again. He had to undergo a succession of surgical procedures (a total of 14!), his wounds were infected from the bites, and the bacteria in his large wound cavities were resistant to nearly everything. The wounds kept opening up again and again. Large amounts of tissue died off, then got infected, as a result of the extensive injuries, and had to be surgically removed over and over. Buzz had adverse reactions to standard medications. It was the worst ordeal we all have ever been through. During all these weeks, the physicians and nurses at SAGE did whatever was humanly possible and bent over backwards for us. Not only did Buzz get absolutely first-​rate treatment (we had had him at UC Davis in the past, and SAGE turned out to be a lot better than even a university hospital!), we were allowed to come visit any time, day or night, were allowed to stay as long as was good for the patient, and were made partners in the diagnostic and treatment process.
We would like to especially thank Dr. Sharon Ullman (best veterinary surgeon in the Universe!), and Dr. Leigh Glerum — they worked miracle after miracle so that Buzz has not sustained any permanent damage despite his extensive injuries; Critical Care physicians Dr. Megan Davis and Dr. Ryan Goupil who tided Buzz over many a life-​threatening situation and stayed with him throughout long nights and weekends; and surgeon Dr. Zachary Smith who performed an emergency procedure when Buzz was in immediate danger of suffocating. All the many nurses who tended to Buzz for weeks and weeks were caring and loving, and they were incredibly good at what they were doing. They all gave us our baby back! And for that we are eternally grateful.
Lastly, our thanks go to our current physiotherapist, Dr. Jenny Jones and her assistant, for their tireless efforts to get Buzz back on his paws after his long illness, as well as to secretaries and staff who all know and love Buzz as one of their «special friends.» We could not have been and still be in better hands.
We have been recommending SAGE to all our fellow dog parents, and would like to use Unilocal as well to recommend SAGE to everyone. If you need a miracle — as we did — this is where you should go!

Sage saved our little girl Sweet Pea! The staff is kind, nuturing, and they genuinely care about their little patients and owners! I cannot say enough great things about Sage. Thank you!

I lost my best friend, co-​pilot, confidante, fur-​baby a few days ago and just an emo wreck… even more so since I lost my sweet Daisy last year.
I thank the wonderful people at Sage (again!) for all the care, support and expertise in helping Scout get better.
* Dr Abigail Kaufman for helping diagnose (Cushings) Scout about 7 yrs ago and recommending a more holistic approach… and her wonderful and friendly nurse, Genevieve
* Dr. Diane Roberts for diagnosing his blindness about 7 years ago
* Dr. Ryan Goupil, who provided care when i had to bring Scout in during off hours over the years… the receptionist, Kimmie who was very comforting and helpful
* Dr. Diane Dereszynski who cared for Scout during his vertigo episodes, ascites, UTIs, epulis, etc. Dr. D’s nurse, Lisa is awesome… just caring, supportive, patient in getting all info down for each visit even though i was «all over the place» with nerves
* Dr. Hanwell who handled my late night/​early morning calls with Scout and giving great advice.
* Dr. Markovic and Marlene — cardiologist and nurse who cared for Scout on his last days were informative, compassionate and delivered the news no one wants to hear «there’s nothing more and to come in now to say good bye» *SIGH*
* Staff who helped with making Scout comfortable as he took his last breaths and comforting me. I wish i knew their names as it meant a lot!
* Bacon, Sunny and Fern (furry staff at Sage) for just being adorable and always making me smile!
And the reception staff who are always so friendly, professional, accommodating and very welcoming… especially John (great mustache! :)) who always welcomes us (with each visit) with a warm greeting like family. And i want to thank him for comforting me after i had to put my baby to sleep… thank YOU… i will never forget that!
Thank you ALL for Scout’s care over the years!

I am so thankful I found Sage. Every single person I spoke with regarding my dog since she was admitted came across as extremely well read, well mannered, compassionate, and TRUSTWORTHY. Shawn a nurse, Lisa a nurse, Dr. Ryan, Dr McClain and unfortunately I didn’t get the purple hair nurses name but she was wonderful as well.
When you’re dealing with a pet emergency and about to spend your entire bank account you want to go somewhere that your pet will benefit from.
Dr Ryan Gopuil was extremely informative and explained A to Z with regard to my dogs condition. He referenced studies to describe her state to me and special edge cases in Japan even. It was a difficult situation for me and everyone there had an EXTREME amount of patience and compassion.
I can’t use words to describe how incredibly thankful I am. Whoever the medical director is has to be someone with high morals and ethics because this establishment does not operate by leveraging their clients emotions for profit.
I’m looking forward to meeting with the cardiac specialist and continuing my dogs care here as I know she’s is in true professionals care.

I am a helicopter dog mom. If I see that my dogs have gotten near foxtails, burrs or any other offending item to their fur or skin, I’m on it! Unfortunately, my dog still got something in his right back paw that was making him crazy. I suspected a fox tail, but thought it could have been an insect bite as well.
I rushed my dog on a Sunday night to SAGE thinking I was going to VCA Emergency Hospital just two doors down where I had gone 10+ years before with a cat. No matter, SAGE was beautifully laid out, large, and seemingly not busy. Unfortunately a very serious emergency had come in minutes before me and my dog, so for a small foxtail removal, the requisite paperwork, talking to about 10 people about the same problem, and finally seeing the doctor, then waiting and waiting for the final bill of $ 244, it took almost 3 hours.
Everyone was very nice, helpful and professional. I wish we could have gotten thru the process faster, but I will now recommend Sage to anyone who asks because it isn’t setup like a scary vet hospital with zombie movie lighting, you actually have room to move around and the ambiance is pleasant. I realize that they work on the most sickest of pets during their normal vet hours, but this review was for the emergency, late night hospital only.
~Ms. Ali