South Novato Animal Hospital

Reviews

• BO

  Bryn Ossa

  Nov 2, 2025
  2.0
  It's really unfortunate, because we've been going to South Novato for a few years now and always had a great experience with both the office staff and especially Dr. Bonetto. We've been VIPs for all 3 of our cats, and have felt they've been in good hands. Dr. Bonetto was pivotal, as one of our cats had had a bad experience with our prior vet - which is why we switched - and Dr. Bonetto was always kind and gentle; our cat actually seemed to be okay going to the vet again. However, a few months ago, Dr. Bonetto left the practice suddenly. This was very distressing, as we had sought out and stuck with South Novato specifically for Dr. Bonetto. However, in speaking with the office staff, we were assured that Dr. Bonetto's mentee, Dr. Chalaporn Hathaidharm (hope that spelling is correct), would fill his very big shoes. We got our cat in for his regular check-up with Dr. Hathaidharm and had a great experience, so we thought things were all good. This was at the end of July. We took our cat back for his check-up, and specifically scheduled with Dr. Hathaidharm. We got bumped last-minute to an appointment a few days later, which in itself was not an issue, except it was with a different vet (one that our cat has not been too fond of in the past). Upon entering, there was only one employee at the desk when there are usually 2, and I'd never seen her before, when I typically recognize all the staff. She mentioned that wait times have been long and South Novato has been severely understaffed. We did indeed wait nearly 20 minutes before being seen for our appointment, and we found out that following Dr. Bonetto's departure, most of the staff also left South Novato. Not only that, but Dr. Hathaidharm had recently put in her own resignation after barely 3 months at the clinic. This was beyond disappointing to hear. When you select a veterinarian clinic to care for your pets, you decide based off the care and attention they (and you) receive during visits. You establish a relationship and trust with your providers, same as you would with human healthcare. South Novato no longer has providers that we trust, when it's been a place we and our cats felt comfortable in for years. With this new information, we will very likely be canceling our VIP membership and finding a new veterinarian. Hopefully we are able to locate where Dr. Bonetto, Dr. Hathaidharm, and/or their staff went to to continue care.
• KW

  Kim Wexler

  Oct 1, 2025
  1.0
  I would not trust this place. If you care about your animals take them to a place that cares.
• AN

  Amandatory Nerd

  Sep 13, 2025
  4.0
  There are some really great doctors there and I do appreciate the care they gave to my pets. They are very expensive probably the most expensive that I’ve been to. I really like the care I’ve gotten from Dr. Palermo. One thing I say that is discouraging is they really take a long time to get back with your lab results.
• JM

  J J Martel

  Aug 27, 2025
  5.0
  Dr. BethAnn Palermo is a thorough, intelligent, caring Veterinarian. I drove over an hour to have her examine my 10 month old puppy for a wellness check. This animal hospital is staffed by friendly attentive individuals. It is clean, spacious and run in a timely manner. What a welcomed change from my last vet, when half hour waits were the norm.
• KL

  Karen Larsen

  Aug 15, 2025
  5.0
  As a pet owner for many years I can honestly say that I have never been so impressed with the level of care I have received from the entire staff from the Docs to the office staff. Every one has been so kind, caring, professional, and just downright nice…and I’m a new client! Totally blown away!

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